I go back with a growing fear that something might have happened. I cut through the park on Northwood a few hundred metres from home, when I see him on a park bench watching the swings.
I let my breath out and reach for my phone, letting Ryan know that I found him, before going to the bench and sitting next to him.
After a few seconds of silence, he lifts his eyes to me.
“Out for a run?” he asks with a smile.
“Yep.”
“It’s a nice neighbourhood. Great place to raise kids.”
“Have you got any children?” I ask him, trying to keep it together.
“Two.”
I close my eyes in defeat.
“Do you bring them here much?”
He laughs. “Oh no, they’re too old for that now. But I did, yes. It wasn’t like it is now though, with all these games. It used to be all dirt and they could play around on their bicycles while I sat here on this bench, just like I am now, and watched them from a distance.”
“Sounds like a good time in your life.”
“It was.”
“What are your children’s names?” I try.
“Nick and Ryan.”
I rest my back against the bench and extend my legs. I close my eyes and lift my face to the sky, enjoying this mild sun marking the beginning of winter.
“I’m going home now,” he says getting up.
“I’ll walk you,” I say, getting up too.
“Do you know where I live by any chance? I’m a bit confused at the moment.”
“No problem, I’ll show you where it is.”
“Thanks a million—”
“Ian.”
“Ian. You’re a good boy, Ian. Your parents must be very proud of you.”
“I hope so,” my voice cracks, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
I walk him home in silence and when we get to the door, Mum runs out to hug him.
“Hey, I wasn’t gone long. Did you really miss me?” he asks laughing.
“You know I can’t be without you even for a half an hour,” she responds with tears in her eyes before hugging him tightly.
In that moment, Ryan comes to the door. My father stops in his tracks an instant just looking at him in confusion.
“Dad…” Ryan tries.
“Ryan?” he asks and even at this distance I can see the tears swelling in my brother’s eyes.
