"Clark, I wanted to talk to you about something."
The words hang in the air above us. I can see Clark tense up and his eyes dart to each of us. He's only seventeen, but he's grown up to be a good boy. He has his circle of friends, and I know that the dimples when he smiles has attracted a girl or two to him. He's dated casually through high school, but he's still focused on schoolwork. He's joined the welding classes and only has one more to take his Senior year before he'll be considered certified. He could get a job right out of high school, but he's mentioned wanting to take a few classes and get some type of degree as well. I'm proud of him.
When Charlie drops the news of selling the farm, Clark's face goes white. I wasn't expecting this reaction. Maybe something sad to see it go, but not… Tears? Charlie tries to console him, telling him that they will still have the house and barn, with enough land for the horses. It doesn't seem to matter to Clark. The tears are the silent type, the type that happen when you're really hurt. I'm not sure if I add anything, it will help. It's the longest minute of my life when no one speaks.
Clark's face slowly turns from tears to anger. It's subtle, but before I know it he's standing up, both hands on the table, and staring at his dad. "You promised me that I would take over the farm when I was old enough."
Then, he runs out the door. We all stand in unison, but I hold out a hand. "Let me talk to him, Char."
Neither of them argues with me and I chase after Clark. He's fast, that's for sure. He's already in his car by the time I reach him. He started it, could easily just put it in drive and leave, but he doesn't. I move to the passenger door and tap the window gently with my knuckle. He doesn't move. I try my luck with the handle and it's open, so I get in and close the door. His car is standard, a bit small for my taste. And my legs, but I don't say anything.
"Let's take a drive," I say, leaving the decision up to him. "But if you're too upset to drive properly, we can go to my place."
He nods. I'm not sure which option he's choosing, but he puts the car in drive and starts moving slowly. The driveway where we all park is gravel and splits into two different paths a few meters away. One path leads to my house and other parts of the property, the other goes straight to the main road. He slows down, hesitating for a moment. I don't say anything. I can see his mind is racing and there's another stray tear rolling down his cheek. He reaches up and wipes it away before turning toward my house.
The car is silent for the short drive. The gravel turns to a dirt road quickly and he takes the bumps and dips carefully. I try to put some form of encouraging words together, but I draw a blank each time. I thought he was planning on moving away. I didn't even know Charlie had promised him the farm when he was older. Not that I would mind that, of course. I would be thrilled for it to stay in the family, however that happens.
"Is he really selling the farm?" Clark looks at me. The only light around is the glow of the porch light. His face is mostly shadows from this distance as we stay in the car. I nod.
"He signed a contract thinking it was just a section of land, off the main road." I take a deep breath and rest my hands on my legs. "Turns out, it was about three-fourths of the land. You'll keep the house, the barn, and about forty acres around it."
"What about you?" He tone changes to one of panic. "Uncle N, you've lived here your whole life. Dad can't just sell your house!"
"Clark, calm down." I understand his anger. I felt the same way when I learned of this a couple weeks ago. "I was upset too. Still am, actually. Your dad and I aren't on the best of terms right now. But it's a done deal and unfortunately, I'll have to move."
"That isn't fair! This is your house. Shouldn't you have to sign too, or something?"
"It's complicated, Clark, but trust me, I've read over that contract so many times. It sucks a lot, but it's done and I'm figuring it out."
"Where are you going to live?" Clark turns his whole body to face me. In this moment, he doesn't look like the young man I saw earlier. Flashes of little Clark running around and laughing cross my mind. He looks ten years old all over again right now. I reach across the console and pull him in for a hug. I hear him sniffle against my shoulder before his whole body starts shaking with sobs.
"Shh, it's okay, Clark." I rub my hand up and down his back, hoping the words and motion are comforting. "It's not like I'm moving far away. I'll just be living in the city limits. You can still come visit all the time."
I give him a couple more minutes before I pull back and motion for him to come inside. I fix us both a cup of instant hot chocolate and we sit on the couch. His eyes are red and the tearstreaks are obvious. I don't remember the last time I've seen him cry.
"When do you have to move out?" he asks. His eyes flick up to mine and I can tell he wants to cry more. His breathing is still a bit shaky.
"End of October," I say. "It's why I've been going to this summer class. I'm going to be taking a job with a friend of a friend, but I needed a certification first."
He nods. He already knew I was taking the class, but never really why. He didn't ask more questions and I didn't elaborate.
"And you're moving into the city? Are you getting a house?"
"I don't know," I say. "I haven't found anything I like yet. I've toured a couple of apartments, but nothing has really wowed me."
His face scrunches up and I can't help but let out a small chuckle at the expression. "I can't see you living in an apartment. It's weird."
"I'll have you know, I lived in an apartment for six months before."
His eyes go wide and there's a hint of a smile peeking through. "Really? When?"
"I got in a fight with your grandma and grandpa when I was twenty-two," I say. The memory comes back to me clear as day as I recount it. "I wanted to take a friend horseback riding, but they said no because there was some weather that was supposed to come in. The skies were totally clear that morning and we argued and argued."
"Over riding a horse?" I know he doesn't believe me. It's true though. I nod.
"It was a special friend," I say. "We'll leave it at that. No further questions."
"A boyfriend?"
