I switched on the television and browsed the channels until I found a show he liked.“You should walk around and stretch your legs before going to sleep.I’m going to schedule a day off this week so you can relax on the back porch while the weather’s still cool.We can take a little walk around the property, and I’ll show you some new wildflowers that sprouted up by the shed.How does that sound?”
He gave me a lopsided smile—the one that conveyed he wasn’t thrilled about having to ask permission to do basic things.But he was getting on in years, and our roles had reversed in many ways.
“Don’t you dare go upstairs while I’m at work,” I cautioned him.“I’ll know if you do.”
“And how?”
“Maybe I have hidden cameras.I’m serious, Dad.If something happened to you while I was gone, I would?—”
Shatter into a million pieces.
“You don’t have to worry about me.”He patted my hand.“I’m just fussin’ because I miss my view.”
Despite the nature paintings on the wall and natural light bulbs, none of it made up for the fact he was living in the basement.My father loved the outdoors even when it was hot and miserable.I always brought him upstairs after work, but tonight I was too exhausted because of the party.
“Is there anything you need before I go to bed?”
He crossed his arms.“You got a man up there?”
I put my hands on my hips and arched my eyebrows.“Someone’s been watching too many daytime soap operas.And what if I did?”
“No one takes advantage of my only daughter.”
“And no one ever will.You raised me to be a strong woman who doesn’t put up with foolishness.”
“You’re right, which makes me wonder why you’re putting up with me.”
“Because I love you.If there’s anything you need to make it more comfortable here, let me know.I can paint the walls, add carpet, or buy new furniture.Whatever you want.I’ll figure something out.This is only temporary.”After lifting the garbage bag, I pushed the elevator button and stepped inside.“There’re strawberries in the fridge.I love you, Dad.”
“Sleep tight.”
“Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” we said in unison.
Once upstairs, I tossed the garbage and prepared his meals for tomorrow.It was a nightly ritual, but sometimes I was able to stock his fridge with several days’ worth of food to give him options.The older he got, the fewer choices he had in life, so little things mattered.We often had breakfast together, sometimes dinner.It usually depended on my schedule.While he was still able-bodied enough to cook for himself, the last time I left him alone in the kitchen, he forgot to turn the burner off.
I still had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when I thought about the last time someone came over and threatened my father after he opened the door.He was my world, so moving him downstairs was necessary for his protection.There were so many new responsibilities I had with him under my care, and they were growing by the day.
I poured myself a tall glass of sweet tea, added ice, and headed onto the back porch.Though I couldn’t see anything but stars, I sat on the porch swing, lifted my feet off the ground, and enjoyed the cool breeze.
My days and nights were filled with work, each of a different kind.While I enjoyed my father’s company and we had fun, I was still his caretaker, and that was a job unto itself.Tonight was the first time in ages I’d let my hair down.I envied packs and the bond they shared.They chose each other to share their lives with, and that was extraordinarily special.
After a gulp of tea, I set my glass down when a message came through on my phone.
Lucian
You left your shoes here
Eden
I’ll swing by when I can.Should I make an appointment?
Lucian
My Packmaster wants me to bring them to you
Eden
Now??
