(Synopsis)

                                            

This is a coming-of-age story for Billy  (15) when he and two of his friends, Albert Perez (15) and Raul "NoNo" De La Santos (14) (and Spotty, Billy's dog) go an a camping trip on Clear Creek in League City, Texas in the summer of 1956.  The night starts to turn to terror when they encounter an escaped convict.  Then they must navigate the eight miles back to their dock, naked!  In a big gully in a pasture, they face three teenage thugs and, finally, their biggest fear.  Billy risks his life for his pet, Spotty. It's a sad story that took a lot to write, remembering that night so long ago.

Having visited my old hometown of League City, Texas recently, this has prompted me to rewrite the original story; ie, make it "mow better". I hope to have it published later this year, along with several other short stories. "Naked Run To Morning" is a novella. I recently viewed the excellent movie, "Stand By Me". It reminded me so much of my story in a way that this goads me even harder to finish the rewrite and get it published. Smitty, of Smith's Pharmacy, in League City, who is now deceased (God rest his soul), told me after reading this novella years ago, "Billy, you sure out did yourself with this one."

 

 

 

 King of Clear Creek in League City, Texas. Rowing champ. No one could beat me. Well, maybe Teddy Kilgore, but that's all!!  Eat your heart out, Arnold. "I'll be back!"

For those in League City, that's Fairview Cemetery in the background if you don't recognize my location 200 years ago.