Matthew made his way over to the woman, who led him through the door and into the back. When his son was gone, Laurence sighed and leaned back against his chair. Emotionally, he was drained. Physically, he was on-edge. The last week and a half had been a test of his patience and compassion—both for himself, and for Matthew. Worse, when his thoughts weren’t anchored down by his son’s teenage pregnancy, they drifted into the dangerous water that wasAlex.
Alex, who he’d never seeagain.
Laurence squeezed his eyes shut until phosphenes appeared behind his eyelids. Purples and greens and whites. There wasn’t even safety from Alex behind closed eyes. All Laurence could think of was what Alex hadsaid.
When I feel strong emotion, I seecolor.
But I don’t talk about purple on the seconddate.
The truth about purple would forever go unknown. One day, Laurence would get over it. For now, the loss still made his heartache.
His phone buzzed. Laurence took it out to find he’d been tagged by the SingleDads.
TeenDad2: Hey @Gwynning, you’re at the appointment now, right? Everything goingokay?
Laurence unlocked his phone screen and tabbed into the conversation. He composed areply.
Gwynning: They just took Matthew into the back. I’m betting it’s going to be anywhere from fifteen minutes to half an hour, but Matthew has them for the full hour ifnecessary.
TeenDad2: You’re a good dad for taking him to get counseling. I wish I would have had someone do that for me when I was pregnant. I was terrified the entiretime.
KnotMyProblem: @TeenDad2, didn’t you hide your pregnancy from everyone? I was pretty sure that was your originstory.
TeenDad2: well… yeah. But I wish my circumstances would have been different, and that someone would have takenme.
KnotMyProblem: if your kid is any indication, someonedidtakeyou.
TeenDad2:omg
TeenDad2: Knot, I am seriously going to kill you oneday
TeenDad2: What I meant is that I wish I would have had someone to take me to THERAPY. You’re a really good dad, Gwynn. Even if your kiddo doesn’t realize it now, I think he willsoon.
LoveHarley: Are we talking aboutTeenDad3?
xVerity: Oh, hey, Harley. Good to seeyou.
TeenDad2:HARLEY!
LoveHarley: I always meant to ask about what happened to TeenDad the original. Did Knot eathim?
KnotMyProblem: All night long,baby.
TeenDad2:Gross.
Laurence smiled. Even if he didn’t actively engage in conversation, the Single Dads never failed to make him feel like he was part of a community. The tiny digital world he occupied had kept him sane over the last several years, and he was glad for each of the friendships he had made. Even if it was only for brief moments at a time, their company helped drown out some of the more troubling thoughts floating in hismind.
Gwynning: Just fyi we are not inviting my son into theconvo.
KnotMyProblem: I mean, in seven months he’ll fit the group requirements,so…
Gwynning: Maybe. We’re here today at counseling so he can make an informed decision about what he wants todo.
Gwynning: And if he everdidjoin, there’s no way his name would beTeenDad3.
TeenDad2: Ouch,gwynn.
TeenDad2: But, I forgive you. I know the name is kind of stupid. I was honestly so sleep deprived when I made it that I’m surprised I even spelled itright.
