location: ballard park with: @cashmackenna
Spencer really had expected to be alone at the park on Friday night. After all, everyone in town was at the Monster Mash, crammed into the Swinging Door like New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Any other time, Spencer would’ve loved being there. However, he’d been expressly warned by his boss that his attendance was, in fact, prohibited. Spencer knew eyes would be watching, and he knew those eyes would be waiting for him to screw up. He’d made it this far, naturally they could practically feel him falling apart inside.
All he wanted was a shot. A beer, even. Instead, he was spending the evening with his daughter at the park. Spence had grown up in Tupelo and had spent countless hours playing at Ballard Park. Granted, the equipment had a facelift since then, but it was still generally the same layout. He probably could walk this place blindfolded. When Evie tugged on his hand and started walking faster, Spencer was snapped out of his train of thought. “Daddy,” she said excitedly as she pointed at a little boy on the playground they were headed toward. “That’s Forest, he’s in my class at school!” Spencer let go of her hand so that his daughter could greet her friend, tucking his hands into his pockets. It wasn’t a long walk to the bench the boy’s father was sitting at, and Spencer sat down without really asking if it was okay.
“Hey,” he said with a nod, letting out a slow sigh. “Didn’t really think I’d see anyone out and about tonight. I figured everyone and their mother would be at the Monster Mash. Hell, even my mother is at the Monster Mash.”
