Chapter 12 - THE SON WHO DIDN'T RUN TO HIM
Daniel saw Owen the following Saturday.
They met at a park.
Joanna remained nearby.
Owen was eleven now.
Taller.
Thinner.
His hair had grown longer.
Daniel barely recognized him.
“Owen?”
The boy turned.
“Hi, Dad.”
Daniel smiled nervously.
“Look at you.”
Owen shrugged.
“You got tall.”
“Yeah.”
Daniel laughed.
Then stopped.
He wanted to hug his son.
But Owen kept his hands in his pockets.
So Daniel didn't force it.
They sat on a bench.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Then Daniel asked:
“How's school?”
“Good.”
“Still playing soccer?”
“No.”
Daniel frowned.
“Why not?”
Owen looked at him.
“I play basketball.”
“Oh.”
Silence.
Daniel swallowed.
“I missed a lot.”
Owen nodded.
“Yeah.”
His honesty hurt.
Daniel looked down.
“I'm sorry.”
Owen stared at the grass.
Then asked:
“Are you staying this time?”
Daniel's chest tightened.
“Yes.”
Owen looked at him.
“For how long?”
Daniel hesitated.
Then answered carefully.
“I've moved back to Pennsylvania. I'm going to keep showing up, if you'll let me.”
Owen studied him.
“Okay.”
Daniel smiled faintly.
“Okay?”
Owen nodded.
“But don't promise stuff if you can't do it.”
Daniel's eyes filled.
“I won't.”
Owen looked away.
Then whispered:
“Because I don't want to wait anymore.”
May you like
Daniel turned his face toward the trees.
And cried.
