by John Wilson
“Dave. How are you?”
“Fine Dad. Look, I’m sorry I made you and Mom worry so much.”
“That’s all right. You’re okay now and that’s what’s important.” There’s a pause and then he continues. “Listen, I’m sorry I laid into you the way I did. I’m pretty stressed right now. Your Mom and I have been talking. She thinks it would be a good idea if she and I went to see Chris. She might be right too. Anyway, we’ll give it a try. We’ve also decided to put the franchise up for sale. I guess the economic climate isn’t right just now.” There is another pause, then he continues. “Anyway, we’ll talk about all that tomorrow.”
“Okay Dad.” This is very difficult for me. “Listen, I’m sorry too, about what I said—I mean, before I walked out. I had no right to say those things. It was....”
“Never mind,” he interrupts. I think he is finding this as hard as I am. “We’ll sort it all out tomorrow. Right now you need to get some sleep. I’ll come out in the morning, as soon as they get the highway cleared, and pick you up. Good night Dave.”
“Good night Dad.”
I hang up. I am so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. Jim has made up the spare bed for me. It is so comfortable, it is like sleeping on clouds. I feel more relaxed than I have in weeks. The dreams are over and my life can get back to normal. In the morning I will go home and resolve what I must with my parents. Maybe I’ll even give Sarah a call.
I won’t walk out again. When the right time comes, I will leave. I don’t know what my own life will bring but I know now I will be able to handle it somehow. George has taught me that.
“Thank you,” I murmur into the darkness.
Just before I drift into a luxurious, dreamless sleep, I imagine I hear soft footsteps outside my door and the whispered reply, “You’re welcome, Davy boy.”
THE END
