“I… I don’t know if I’m honest. He kinda hasn’t been in touch since he moved cities.” That's the only thing I said.
“Oh, probably not a good time to ask.” Clyde said he felt sorry for my dad being absent. It’s not that he left the 2 of us permanently, he still contacts us, just not as much like his old job. The 2 of us sat in silence as the younger kids played in the snow. I looked at him, he’s carefully observing his sister so that she doesn’t hurt herself. I sat and looked at my friends from the daycare. I looked at him again. I felt I’ve accomplished something, having a friend that’s my age. I can’t help but smile.
“Hey Clyde?” I said.
“Yeah?” he replied.
“Thanks for being my friend.”
“No problem.”
It’s now nearly 5pm and I’m heading home. All the others went home since the sun is going down a bit faster, Clyde stayed for a little while before also leaving. I see there’s already a clear sidewalk on the way home. I pulled out my keys and opened the door to see my Mom talking to someone. I saw a tall figure wearing a sweater, I saw a black trenchcoat on the coat rack. Mom looked at me and smiled.
“Look who’s here hijo!”she said.
The figure turned his head and… I …
…
…
“Papa?”
“Hey there son,” he said.
I stood there, face to face with him. I can’t help but have tears roll down my cheeks.
“Welcome home Papa.”
End of Part 1
WINTER