“So how was the drive across country?” Stanley asked.
“It was wonderful. We hiked at Arches National Park in Utah, went skiing in Vail, and took in a football game last night in Kansas City. Ryan took tons of pictures along the way. Maybe he can show them to you tomorrow.”
“Oh, we’d love to see them,” Lily said.
“We saw on the news Colorado had lots of rain the day you guys were traveling. Did it set you back any?”
“Not too much.”
Lily touched Stanley’s forearm to get his attention.
“Remind me before we go to bed to set the bowl out.”
“Alright,” Stanley said as he nodded. Then he looked at Russell. “Your mother wanted to make sure we set out a bowl of snacks for you boys to help yourselves to while you’re here.”
Boys.
They called Russell a boy. I stifled a laugh and quickly took a sip of the tea. When both of his parents were looking at me, I thought it would be best if I fessed up for my laughter.
“Sorry. It struck me funny to hear you call Russell a boy.”
His parents laughed while I sipped on my tea.
“Russell will always be my boy,” Stanley said. It made me think of how I’d always be Russell’s boy, though in a much different sense.
“Russell is a spitting image of Stanley when he was his age.”
“Yeah, I saw the picture in the entryway and wasn’t sure if that was Russell or Stanley. I recognized they have the same eyes right off the bat.”
“That picture is of Russell when he graduated college. And yes, he most certainly does have Stanley’s eyes.”
“Do you look more like your mother or father?” Stanley casually asked.
Me?
“Stanley,” Lily hissed quietly and set her hand on his knee. It was like she was reprimanding him for asking me about my parents.
“Um,” I said as I tried to think.
My brain wasn’t able to pull out which of them I looked more like. I felt hot and then cold as I pictured my dad’s angry eyes and my mom’s deranged ones. I could hear her cackle ringing in my head. When I felt Russell’s hand rest on my upper back, I shifted in my seat and leaned forward to set the teacup and saucer down on the coffee table. My move had effectively pulled me out of natural reach for Russell.
“Ryan, I apologize,” Stanley said.
“It’s okay. Um, let me think for a sec who I look more like,” I said. I tried to sound like I was considering a common question. A chill ran down my spine as I pictured my dad’s cold, compassionless eyes in prison. It was the last time I ever saw him alive. Fuck, I hoped I didn’t look like him. “My mom,” I said. “I look more like my mom,” I repeated more confidently.
After I answered Stanley’s question, Lily started to talk about how whenever she would take Russell into town, the people always commented about how much Russell looked like his dad. The more Lily and Stanley spoke about Russell, the more relaxed I felt. I eventually leaned back against the couch and loved hearing them talk about their young Russell. Listening to all of the funny and wonderful things they had to say about him made me proud as fuck to be the person he loved.
While they refilled their tea, I helped Russell bring our bags in. Russell wanted us to leave them in the entryway and said we’d take them upstairs when we go to bed.
As it neared eleven o’clock, Stanley and Lily began yawning more frequently. For being in their eighties, I thought they looked younger. They certainly spoke as though they were younger. They both appeared to be in good health, and I knew Russell’s dad had been a psychiatrist. He was probably well aware of how to live a healthy life and balance things.
“We should let you guys get to bed. It’s pretty late, and we’re starting to drag as well,” Russell suggested.
“Good idea. We’ll chat more tomorrow while we’re getting the place ready for the dinner guests,” Lily replied.
Stanley rose from the couch and held his hand out for Lily. She took hold of his hand, allowing him to help her stand. I stood when Russell stood and walked over to his mom. Russell’s dad picked up the teacups and took them into the kitchen while Russell chatted with his mom.
“It’s so wonderful having you home, Russell,” she said as he hugged her. “We’re so happy you and Ryan are here for the holidays.”
