My dad…
Wow.
That still bothers me, I guess.
Good Fate, what’s happening to him? I’ve never seen him like this. He looks older, his face gray, his eyes red and swollen. Like he aged ten years overnight.
And my father doesn’t look any better…
"Bay!"
My dad shouts and throws himself at me, the tray slipping from his hand and crashing to the floor.
He grabs me and clings to me with all his strength. His body shakes with sobs.
Oh my, it’s… really difficult, my mind just refuses to cooperate, to come up with something that would help, fix it…
Finally, I settle on one thought.
I pat his back lightly.
"Shhh, Dad, it’s okay. It’s okay. You saved me. Case closed," I say, using an almost casual tone.
My father picks up the tray and steps closer, and on his gray, equally aged face I see confusion and some kind of strange… shock.
He catches the scent of smoke, nostrils flaring.
I sigh, I guess there’s no escape from the hard conversation.
"A quick explanation. Yesterday Alex and I found out we’re incompatible. It hit me hard, won’t deny it. But last night a friend brought me something that helps with major life disasters and I’m already better," I announce and, over my dad’s shoulder, who’s still pressed against me, I take another deep inhale.
Yes, the effect is still there.
I can live. I can live with this.
Dad lifts his head, his wet, swollen eyes fixed on my face.
His parched lips tremble as he speaks, "Bay… we read… while looking for clues… explanations… we read your diary."
I freeze.
Shit…
Fuck.
Not this!
Even with the numbing effect of the vape, it hits me, scratching at my mind like claws. Shame, anger, pain break through for a moment, and I let out a quiet groan before cursing.
"Oh, Dad. Bad idea. Closed chapter. I don’t want to talk about it."
"Bay, I…" He closes his eyes, his breath barely there, "I brought those monsters onto our family… my Fate, I…" he can’t speak, his face going so pale I see him sway at the edge of the bed. I grab him at the last second, stopping his fall, and Father rushes to hold him from the other side.
"Bay, why didn’t you tell us… what you went through… son… that was hell…" Father starts, but I cut him off almost angrily.
"I had Alex, Fa. His presence made everything easier. Now he’s gone…" I stop and inhale again, as deeply as I can.
Quick, quick, kill the pain.
