he can only keep so many balls in the air at once --- and for that , he feels guilty . kevin jumps when he enters the room , a brief rap on the door frame enough to give him a start ( that’s how uncommon it’s become for john to come check in with his son before bed ) . he sighs , and remembers what had been simpler times : before jason blossom , before his life had been consumed by work , when kevin was a hair more forthcoming , though that last one has less to do with the blossom case , and more with PUBERTY than anything else . he invites himself in , leans against the dresser , and wonders how he lost track of it all .
‘ COFFEE ran out . we figured it was cosmic interference , decided to call it a night . in the office , at least . i brought a little home , but i’m fixing to heat up some of that chili from sunday , sleep through a little sports center , ’ he laughs , regardless of how funny it is , if only to provide himself with some level of ease .
‘ but you’re up this late over english homework ? ’ his tone shifts , but only slightly . one of the few things john’s still confident in ? his ability to tell when kevin was lying . he knows when to keep that to himself though . though worry has started to control aspects of their relationship , he finds that sometimes , it’s best to let his son have his own secrets ( it made it easier to OMIT certain details of his life ) . ‘ that’s real dedication . have i told you i’m proud of you lately ? ’
he grins at the suggestion , nothing forced this time . he remembers ( how could he ever forget ) when his son was his boy , when staying up past midnight was a rarity , and a game , a treat that usually ended in someone having to help a drowsy someone up the stairs after the score was settled . he shook his head . ‘ that game stopped being fun when it got so EASY for you to beat me . now it’s just sad , and makes me feel OLD . ’
@valiidations | continued
