Nearly every weekend, 9-year-old Dominic could be found 'harassing' and 'tormenting' his grandfather Vernon on their Saturday walks around the neighborhood.
They talked comics, TV now that Vernon watched so much of it since retiring, sports, life and school (which was always Dominic's least favorite topic).
The rest of the DeWitt family tended to think that the young boy annoyed the 73-year-old, ornery old man. Truth was, Vernon was just as much of a clown and pest as his favorite grandchild. He was a grouch to everyone else, but not to his buddy. They played pranks together, Vernon stayed as fit as possible so that he could keep up with Dominic, and every five minutes they could be found arguing about any and everything under the sun.
The relationship he did not have with Birdie and Rodney, because of his own ways, Vernon was able to have with Dominic and he cherished it. It's quite possible he's the reason Dominic is such a menace, when he's not quiet, but Vernon loved his foolish self deeply.
"My best friend keeps me young" would always be Vernon's response anytime someone asked why he jumped/moved anytime his grandson called on him. Their bond remained tight until Vernon passed in 1987.
And in the summer, the boy would move his wild energy to Willow Creek to disruptprovide youthful entertainment to his lonely grandfather Anthony.
Because Anthony rarely smiled or showed any sign that he was anything other than serious or sad, Dominic tried his hardest to make the old man crack.
It hardly ever worked. He kept his 'Quiet Rules' and Dominic continued to ignore them, even if he only got a few short sentences out of 56-year-old. The Duvall family joke was Anthony graying early came from Dominic stressing him out so much.
In reality, Anthony adored and appreciated his 'kiddo' more than he was able to express. In all the years since losing his wife prematurely, Dominic was the only bright light forcing itself on him just enough to keep him going. While everyone else respected his desire to sit and be in silence, Dominic was a ball of energy that would not be ignored. Much like Evangeline had been. Anthony never showed it outwardly, but Dominic knew how much he helped the old man.
And when Anthony was on his death bed in 1984, the only person he wanted beside him was his grandson. He allowed the then 13-year-old to talk to him about any and everything that came to mind. His final words, with a smile on his face, "thanks for the conversations, Kiddo. I've loved them all, and I love you."
In typical Dominic style, when asked how he was able to get along with his grandfathers or why his memories are the best or why he was the obvious favorite, his response is always a shrug and "unfortunately, everybody can't be as amazing and lovable as Dominic."
Secretly enjoying one of the activities he shared with both of them after his long day at the news station, Dominic wonders now if they'd be proud of him if he chose to continue down this uncomfortable path, if they'd be watching those same news channels looking for him someday if they were still here.
