As Candace fretfully packed her things, a familiar name suddenly came to mind from the announcement -- Kross! Of all the people for this to happen to, it shouldn’t have been him. Where would he go, seeing that he cannot afford the unreasonable donation? Overcame with concern to continue folding her clothing, she reached for her phone and unlocked it to search for his contact name. What if he didn’t learn of the news yet? Surely, he had to by now...
⌲ [ to Kross ✉ ]: Hi Kross. I’m sorry if I’m bothering you, but I had a question.
⌲ [ to Kross ✉ ]: Did you hear the news about Serenity Apts?
Cinnamon finally had a day off, which she wasn’t too happy about... Working at the library was peaceful, minus some occasions when there are people whispering loudly for no apparent reason. But even during those times, it was still enjoyable. With nothing to do, the pinkette had no other choice but walk around town and see what else she could do to occupy her mind.
She made sure to let Nina know she’ll be back tonight for dinner, if not a bit later, before leaving her apartment. Afterwards came the aimlessly walking around until she found something that was intriguing or just seemed peaceful to sit and read.
None of that crossed her mind when a familiar figure caught her eye in the middle of the town... Cinnamon was quick to identify him as Kross, her high school friend. How long has it been? The silent girl walked up to Kross and tapped his shoulder.
“... Hello...” A faint smile appeared on her face. “It’s... Been a while...”
My dad was about 45 when I was born. Both he and my mother had pretty much given up on having children when they found out they had conceived. Thus, they always referred to me as their “miracle boy”.
I remember as young boy my dad wouldn’t roughhouse with me due to his age, and instead told me to do something with “any of my non-physical god-given talents” and that he would help me with them. I suppose that’s why to this day I could be considered a gentle giant.
I remember I was about 14 when my mom was diagnosed with her terminal illness. I was pretty upset about it, but I think it may have had an even bigger effect on my dad. Everything was finally the way the two of them planned it, they had a family, my dad had a secure well-paying job, and they were happy with life. Then in the course of one diagnosis the future they were building was taken away from them.
Then there was the day shortly after my 16th birthday when my mother died after nearly 2 years of wasting away. She told us to take care of each other, as we were all the family we had left in the world. We both failed at that last request she gave us. We both grew more and more isolated, both from each other and from the rest of the world. My dad lost himself in his work and I lost myself in my school work.
Then less than a year after I graduated high school, my dad decided to take a job in another city. Naturally, I went with him.
Then a few months ago, my dad finally retired at age 70. I figured I would move back to my home town, so he could enjoy retirement without me in the way.
Now here I am less than a week away from home and already I miss my father, my only remaining family. I guess what I’m trying to say is that despite our difficulties I love my dad. I always have and always will love him.
