Chapt 6s Sonny Exxon (draft DFAC)

Sonny's tenure at Exxon was rapidly coming to an end, and he felt the urgency to secure another job without delay. One morning, while perusing the bulletin board at work, his attention was seized by an advertisement that resonated with his entrepreneurial spirit and penchant for risk-taking. The opportunity lay not within a sprawling corporation, but rather with a hands-on rig owner-operator. Intuitively, Sonny sensed that this was a chance to test his capabilities, a departure from the disillusionment he harbored toward the lack of recognition in large businesses. He resolved to drive the rig for the owner, delivering loads and earning a percentage of the revenue. In the depths of his mind, Sonny dreamed of one day owning his own rig. A few days later, Sonny embarked on his new job working for Phillip, a black entrepreneur. Sonny found Phillip to be an amiable person and felt an inherent trust in him. His work took him on journeys spanning from Florida to New York City, and back to Washington DC. The constant travel invigorated his sense of adventure, heightening his awareness of the sights, sounds, and aromas of novel places. He approached his duties with dedication, striving to minimize expenses by operating the rig at a fuel-efficient speed. His religious adherence to frugality paid off handsomely, as he presented Phillip with an impressive turnover over the course of a few months. Earning a profit of at least 15 cents per mile, Sonny also reaped the rewards of a more fulfilling remuneration, which significantly contributed to paying off the mortgage. However, the strain on his marriage grew palpable, as Sonny and Anne spent prolonged periods apart, fueling Sonny's burgeoning loneliness. One night, while transporting fresh produce from Miami to New York, Sonny and his co-driver, Dave Jewel, halted in Brunswick, Georgia to satiate their hunger. Having tirelessly driven for eight consecutive hours, exhaustion permeated their beings. Nevertheless, they remained vigilant, acutely aware of the prevailing Jim Crow laws in the region. These antiquated and rigid statutes dictated a separate but "equal" existence for Black individuals, mandating segregated facilities in public schools, public places, and public transportation. Yet, Sonny refused to allow these burdensome restrictions to perturb or restrict him. He often went out of his way to avoid confrontation, especially during meals in the deep South. Thus, upon arriving in this small town, his first quest was to locate an eatery where colored people dined. Having experienced the degrading encounters when entering white establishments, where he was relegated to the kitchen and served cold scraps, or forced to wait interminably, Sonny deliberately sought out establishments in the colored neighborhood when driving into Southern towns. As Sonny entered Macon, Georgia, his rig halted at the first traffic light. In the periphery of his vision, he espied an elderly black man hobbling slowly, using a cane to support himself while clutching a bag filled with groceries. Sonny rolled down his window and addressed the man cordially, remarking on the fine day and extending an offer of a lift, given the evident burden he carried. The man, shaking his head, declined the generous offer, citing the incompatibility of Sonny's rig with the narrow back roads and alleys he must traverse. He intended to find solace on a nearby bench, easing his weariness. Concerned, Sonny insisted, assuring the man that his rig possessed the agility to navigate even the tightest streets. Furthermore, he expressed his desire to find a place in Macon where they could savor some wholesome, homestyle cooking. The man immediately comprehended Sonny's intent and gestured with his cane, directing him toward the northern part. _______ As time went on, Sonny's late nights playing cards with the locals became more frequent, leaving Anne feeling neglected and frustrated. She longed for Sonny's presence and wished he would prioritize their time together. One evening, as Sonny prepared to head out for another night of cards, Anne couldn't contain her emotions any longer. "Sonny, I can't take this anymore," Anne said, tears welling up in her eyes. "You're never home, and when you are, you're distant and preoccupied. I miss you, and I need us to spend time together as a family." Sonny looked at Anne, realizing the toll his absence had taken on her. He felt a pang of guilt, understanding that he had neglected his responsibilities as a husband and father. He put his cards down and approached her, holding her hands gently. "You're right, Anne. I've been so caught up in work and these card games that I haven't been there for you and the kids. I'm sorry," Sonny said sincerely. "I'll make a change starting from tonight. Family comes first." Anne looked into Sonny's eyes, seeing the sincerity in his words. She knew he meant it and hoped that things would truly change. With a mix of relief and hope, she embraced Sonny, grateful for his willingness to make amends. From that night onward, Sonny kept his promise. He scaled back his card game nights, devoting more time to his family. He made an effort to reconnect with his children, engaging in activities they enjoyed and attending their school events. Sonny also started planning outings and date nights with Anne, rekindling their love and strengthening their bond. As Sonny focused on his family, he realized that his job at High's Ice Cream was not fulfilling him in the same way it once did. He had aspirations and dreams beyond managing a store. With his experience in the trucking industry, Sonny pondered the possibility of starting his own trucking business. He began researching the logistics, gathering information on loans, licenses, and routes. Sonny shared his ideas with Anne, who wholeheartedly supported his ambitions. They knew it would be a risk, but they believed in Sonny's capabilities and were willing to take the leap together. Sonny approached Mr. Hundley, his boss at High's, and expressed his desire to pursue his own trucking venture. To his surprise, Mr. Hundley understood and respected Sonny's aspirations. He even offered his support, providing guidance and connections within the industry. With Mr. Hundley's backing, Sonny secured a small business loan and purchased his first truck. He named his company "Sunrise Transport" as a symbol of new beginnings and the determination to rise above challenges. Sonny's hard work, dedication, and strong relationships with clients enabled Sunrise Transport to grow steadily over the years. As the business prospered, Sonny and Anne's life took a positive turn. They moved into a bigger house, providing their children with a comfortable and nurturing environment. Sonny remained committed to his family, always making time for them amidst his growing responsibilities as a business owner. Sonny's journey from a truck driver to a successful entrepreneur taught him valuable lessons about the importance of balance, communication, and never losing sight of one's dreams. He often reflected on the road that led him there, cherishing the moments of growth and the unwavering support of his loved ones. And through it all, Sonny never forgot the watch he had lost years ago. It served as a reminder of the turning point in his life, when he chose to prioritize his family and embark on a new path. Although he never received it back, he held onto the memory as a testament to