The surprising summer holidays by WHATS_in_a_name

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In the summer of 1970, Adrian, a 17-year-old with striking good looks and long, collar-length hair parted in the middle, embarked on a journey to spend his holidays with his Uncle Chilton. His father had sent him to his uncle's care for the season, and Adrian's anticipation grew as he approached the train station.

As he stepped off the train, he was greeted by his 19-year-old cousin, Dane, who looked noticeably different with his newly cropped short hair. Their conversation in the car was filled with warmth and laughter as they caught up on life and shared stories.

Adrian couldn't help but inquire about Dane's recent haircut. Dane grinned mischievously and replied, "You'll find out soon enough."

Upon arriving at Uncle Chilton's home, Adrian received a warm welcome. It had been a year since Aunt Martha's passing when Dane was just 16. They all sat down for lunch, engaging in pleasant conversation about school, life, and Adrian's future aspirations.

The following day, Adrian came downstairs to find Uncle Chilton and Dane engaged in a hushed conversation. Curiosity piqued, he asked what they were discussing. Uncle Chilton casually mentioned that they were heading out and asked if Adrian would like to join them. Eager to bond with his family, Adrian agreed.

They drove for a while and eventually pulled up outside a barbershop. Uncle Chilton explained that he and Dane needed haircuts, so they decided to stop by. Adrian glanced at Dane's shorter hair, wondering what this visit would entail.

Inside the barbershop's waiting area, they took their seats. Uncle Chilton was the first to sit in the barber's chair, requesting a businessman's haircut. After his transformation, he ordered Dane to take a turn.

Dane confidently approached the chair, and when the barber asked him what he wanted, he responded, "Military short back and sides." Adrian was awestruck by the choice but said nothing. The barber sought Uncle Chilton's approval, which he granted without hesitation. Slowly, Dane's hair became the shortest Adrian had ever seen on someone who wasn't in the military.

With a contented smile, Dane emerged from the chair, rubbing the freshly shorn nape of his neck. Uncle Chilton appeared equally pleased. Just as Adrian thought it was time to leave, Uncle Chilton dropped a surprising request, "Wait, Adrian, it's your turn now."

Adrian, unable to respond verbally, simply obeyed, moving toward the chair as if he were a cadet following a sergeant's command. The barber, understanding the situation, placed the cape around Adrian and asked what he wanted. Inwardly conflicted, Adrian finally mustered the courage to say, "Just like Dane."

The barber promptly got to work, using clippers on the sides and back, revealing Adrian's untanned skin. As the clippers moved up his temples, he could feel the sensation of the hair being sheared away. Once finished with the sides, the barber combed the top and expertly blended the short sides with scissors.

Next, a spray of water dampened Adrian's top hair, and the barber combed it forward, reaching his lips. Precise scissor work followed, trimming it just above his eyebrows. Adrian gazed into the mirror and saw his own face in a new light.

With his top hair neat and short, the barber changed the part to the side and brushed away any loose hair. Then, he combed Adrian's hair into a polished, tidy style.

Adrian stepped down from the chair, rubbing his freshly shorn neck and running his fingers through his bristled hair. He felt a mixture of sadness, excitement, and newfound confidence. Grateful for the experience, he thanked the barber, and Uncle Chilton settled the bill.

As they left the barbershop, Uncle Chilton turned to Adrian and said, "I'm sorry, Adrian, but it had to be done. While you're under my roof, you'll have short hair." Adrian nodded and smiled, admitting that he actually liked the new look. Dane chimed in, asking why he'd told the barber, "Like Dane?" Adrian shrugged and replied, "It just came to my mind, and your hair looks amazing too." Laughter filled the car, and Adrian felt a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and newfound manliness on that warm summer day in the 1970s.

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