Title Goes Here
I walk to the back room of our two family house in the suburbs. He sits in the beige recliner on the right side of the room near the door. He watches TV. Sports probably. The Yankees, Giants, or Rangers. As a take a closer glance at this man sitting in the recliner, I see a face that is redder than the usual high blood pressure glow that rests on his cheeks.
"Dad, what's wrong?" I ask. As I take a seat on the tan area couch in the back room.
"Christina, you have no idea how proud I am of you."
I smile, I laugh a little to ease the tension. I am known as the humble only child at 287 Smith Street. I look around the room to avoid eye contact. I admire the interior design my mother does to the house. The room is filled with tans and beiges galore. The ceiling to the floor is beautifully complimented. I zone back in. He continued blubbering.
"No, I mean it. I know I cry a lot but this time is special. You have made me so proud. You're going to college with some money, and you're playing volleyball. I never got the chance to do these things. But," he sniffled. "I'm so glad you do. Because if anyone deserves it, after all you've been through, it's you."
I still smile. My eyes began to well up with tears. They didn't trickle down like his. I recall times when I make fun of my father for being a cry baby. Now I want to cry with him.
"You're gonna go places, kid. And you have so many people up there looking out for you, Cutie Pie."
His voice is sincere, shaky but sincere. I travel over to the recliner and lean over to give him a big hug. My cheek knocked his thin, titanium framed glasses. I felt his somewhat fragile frame against mine during our hug. This man has his own hell to deal with, but he chooses to focus on mine.
"Thank you," I whispered in his ear.
I took a step back to look at a proud father. He wore his team gear for the teams he watches on TV, but on his head, rests a powder blue Holy Family Tigers baseball cap. I grinned as I sat back on the couch and asked, "So, who's winning?"
i really loved this! i felt like i was there i even got a little teary eyed myself (i'm a cry baby like your father) i felt how proud he was of you!
ReplyDeleteShort and sweet but when you say this man has his own hell to deal with but he chooses yours what is your hell referring too? Unless it's a not need to know basis. Just a confusion that I came across
ReplyDeleteLoved this! But I agree with Patricia, is there a way you can let us know what hells you both face? It would be interesting to understand and I think it would establish your characters better. But honestly this was great.
ReplyDeleteGreat story and dialogue!
ReplyDelete