coast city, ca ;; childhood recollections [1/x]
❝ MARTIN, you can’t just -- ❞
It’s the third, maybe fourth, time he’s heard this argument within the past couple of months. They’re in the kitchen when he manages to pass by the doorway unseen. If his mother knew he was listening -- well, it would be better if she didn’t. As much as he loved his mother, he was his father’s son. But they’re arguing again and he clutches the model plane in his hand as he heads up the stairs.
Typical Californian weather meant that any day was nice for spending time outside. Instead of setting the kit up inside, they’d opted to complete their project outside. His father had even pointed out that the glue seemed to dry faster and kept their mess off the dinner table too. She’s afraid, though ( as far as Hal can tell ). Why? He isn’t entirely sure, but he continues creeping his way back to his room.
Somehow it’s a relief that Jack and Jim are probably still out.
When the door finally closes behind him, it’s silence at last. Though Hal can hear faint murmurs and muffled words, he can’t make the words out clearly enough for them to distract him for the task at hand. He’s running out of space. The other planes are now cramped against each other with this new addition on his shelf, but his eyes light up at the memory of each one. Maybe he’ll ask for a bookcase next... as a birthday or Christmas present.
His eye trails to the third on the right... next to the red one ( his favorite )... that was the one his father had taken him up in that one night. Snuck him on to Ferris Air for a little flight. It had felt like he could have touched the sky in that moment. The closest he had ever felt like a bird. He felt free, weightless and -- incredible. As if nothing seemed impossible in that moment.
He also remembers the look in his father’s eyes. That light and sparkle.
At the sound of knocking, Hal snaps out of his thoughts and watches the door open. His father looks guilty ( as he always does ) after an argument. Once again, he’s explaining to him why his mother is so upset. Between the two of them, they both know he’s not actually listening, but it’s a conversation to be had when his mother is listening in ( to make sure said conversation actually happens ).
After a few nods, a ‘yes’ and expression of compliance, his father ruffles his hair and gives a knowing grin. Hal’s caught the bug too; the yearning to fly. One day he’ll be up there too... not that they make any promises between the two of them about it. It’s something they both known and understand without thought... after having touched the sky and flown through it.
He knows what it’s like, and it’s a beautiful thing.
