“Yes.” Zach looked at the floor and then at Rob, “Thank you, Mr. “I told Marge I would help and this way she at least doesn’t have to do the dishes. “You don’t have to serve me, too.” Zach shook his head and poured hot liquid. Even today Zach didn’t want to touch it, and after everything he heard from Gerry, Rob really couldn’t blame him. Rob knew the green mug belonged to his father. Zach looked at the cups for a moment, then took the red one. “Coffee sounds good, but I’ll get it,” Zach walked to the counter and looked at the drying rack full of cups. “Would you like some coffee? Or something to eat?” “Hello, Zach.” He lifted the hand holding the cup. “Oh, hi.” Zach tried to stretch his lips, but then just sighed. The sound of shoes scraping on the wooden floor pulled him to the present. Every house in the world looked and felt like this after. Like the entire house was inside of a bubble. He could hear soft voices through the house while everyone moved slowly, subdued. If he let his mind wander on a day like this, it wouldn’t be good.

His mind was blank while he took deep, even breaths. An endless progression of mourners he didn’t know. He was watching the front yard and the people that kept coming to the house. Rob was standing in the kitchen, staring through the window with a cup of coffee in his hand. He straightened his back and lifted his shoulders. I did it for me, because that hate and hurt was poisoning my entire life. I was a part of you and you tore me to pieces.”Īir refused to pass through his lungs, his words coming as gasps. I needed you, and you left me alone to fend for myself. I needed you to love me, guide me, accept ME. “I was a child, and I didn’t understand what was happening. Tears blurred his vision again, and he gripped his father's arm firmly. I’m sorry you missed out on years of knowing your son. Could George hear him? Was his spirit there?

This was the last time he would ever see his father. Guess what? You were wrong about that too.

I graduated, I have a job, apartment, friends. The blank stare of those cold gray eyes and then his father’s back as he walks away. Can we put this silence behind us now? Please? He’s standing in the living room looking at his father.ĭad, I’m leaving. He didn’t choose California hoping Dad would change his mind. You kept quiet, because God forbid your friends found out who Great George Steel really was.” “You never hit me, you didn’t throw me out, but you made sure I knew I was dead to you.

What We Want by Eliott Griffen