THE SON OF ARAGORN

By Peter Vuono

     Some readers may remember my short story in Feb. of 2014 which was entitled GO TO THE HEAD OF THE CLASS. This short tale told of the immense heroics of Brockton High School Science teacher, John Bergonzi disarming an assailant with a knife single-handed.  I believe in guardian angels and  the 6'5" Bergonzi who teaches at the Brockton Champion Charter School surely must be one who is moonlighting as a teacher.
     Once again, on November 18, 2015, Bergonzi's might and muscle were again put to the test.
John and his lovely wife Angie; also a teacher, were traveling Northbound from Cape Cod on a very well traveled highway, Route 495. Bergonzi observed that the car in front of him swerved completely to the right, off the road and hugged a guard rail at great length.
     When the guard rail ended, the car lost control, continued to swerve to the right and toppled in a 180 degree rollover! Bergonzi's brawn and bravery once again kicked in and he raced to the car as Angie called 911.. The driver was bloodied and unconscious and the driver's door would only open about 12 inches. John had nothing to break the window with and would have to squeeze his 6'5" 220 pound body in the opening.
    Although, I digress, I couldn't help but think of giant Olympian/ wrestler, Ken Patera who once braced his back up against a brick wall and with his feet pushed back a pick up truck which was in full throttle. John must have been thinking along those lines as he braced his back on the metal support between the front and back door. Then like a human jaw of life, Bergonzi proceeded to leg press the crushed door open freeing the passenger!!.
     As it turns out, the poor victim had incurred a heart attack and was raced away in an ambulance as his savior / Samaritan stood exhausted, bloodied and covered with mud. We all know that this guardian of the galaxy will receive an eternal reward in the hereafter but it is disconcerting to know that few knew of his heroics as once again, super teacher, John Bergonzi has gone to the head in class.


" I am Aragorn, the son of Arathorn; and if by life or death, I can save you, I will"

J.R.R. Tolkien