Adam
I was surprised to spot an arts and crafts store. The village wasn’t a big place, and this was decidedly a niche store. Walker noticed it at the same time I did.
“Mom mentioned some watercolours,” he said.
“Yeah, she didn’t bring any of her things to paint with,” I replied. “We both had the same idea. Although I’m not going to buy her a studio’s worth.”
“Dad, I’ll take the kids to the café while you get Mom’s stuff. Don’t forget an easel and canvases.”
“Yes, boss,” I replied, mock saluting, and Walker rolled his eyes.
“Dad?”
“Yes?”
“It’s been good kinda having you back.”
“Kind of?”
“Yup, you’re still different, but you’re spending more time with us instead of sulking. Shit happens, Dad. It’s how we deal with it that counts.”
Damn, out of the mouths of babes. Amused, I nodded at Walker and headed towards the shop. In the deep snow, I felt insecure, even though every effort had been made for pedestrians. I slipped a couple of times but caught myself before I went down. Eyes pierced my back, and I turned and sawWalker had taken a window seat. My boy was watching me with concern. Casually, I waved and managed to make it to the store.
Twenty minutes later, my wallet was much lighter than before I left. The sales assistant had promised to contact Terry and get him to collect my purchases. As I headed towards the café, a jewellery shop caught my eye. Curiously, I walked over, as I’d not bought Rina a present from me, although the kids had spent a fortune on her.
In the window was a necklace, bracelet and earring set. They were white gold, with an infinity symbol inset with diamonds. Simple but elegant. Rina had always been my forever, and an infinity symbol would show her that. Entering, I purchased them and headed across the road. My leg slipped, and I started going down. Desperately, I tried catching myself when a strong hand caught me and steadied me.
“There you go, lad. Bum leg, is it? Got one myself. Snow’s a bugger for us,” a voice said. “Lost mine in a motorbike accident. What was yours?”
Amused, I snorted. A stranger was accosting me in the street and actually asking me face-to-face about my leg. Not staring or whispering behind my back.
“Wrong place, wrong time,” I replied and returned the old guy’s friendly smile. I waited for the usual surge of anger that came with admitting I was less than whole. Not a real man. It didn’t come.
“That’s a lie. My dad’s a hero,” Walker declared with pride in his voice.
“Is that so? That’s a tale I’d like to hear, boy.”
“The little three are eating lunch. Come on, Dad, before they destroy the place,” Walker stated. He positioned himself close by so that if I went down again, he’d be there to help. A lump formed in my throat. Walker was sixteen. I’d only had him a fewyears, and instead of being bitter and holding it against me, he was standing tall and helping.
Jesus, Rina and Dane had done a great job raising my son. Pride ran through me. Walker was an amazing person, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. I should have told him more than I had. That was something I’d correct moving forward.
“Would you like to join us?” I offered the guy who’d saved my dignity.
“That would be grand, son. Love a cuppa and a chat. I’m Pete.”
“Adam, and this is my eldest, Walker.”
“Nice to meet you, Adam. It seems fortuitous, this meeting,” Pete said.
Something inside me didn’t disagree.
???
I placed a dessert order for Callum, Xander, and Zoie. Pete recommended the fish and chips, which Walker and I ordered. Pete asked for a shepherd’s pie. While I dealt with the younger three, Walker told Pete the saga of my injury.
“That story even made it over here. It was a shock. Couldn’t imagine something like that happening here, although the threat seems to be getting more realistic. England has some gangs over here. Guns might be illegal, but they still get their hands on them,” Pete replied.
“In a small village like this?”
