“Pops? What’s wrong?”
His father chuckled. “Why does something always have to be wrong, Michael?” He picked up the tie and looped it behind Michael’s neck.
“There’s always something wrong or something that needs fixing.”
“Yeah, there’s a lot of brokenness in this fallen world. But we can also look for the things that are good. The evidence of God at work. Because He is always at work, no matter how dark it seems.” He started the knot at Michael’s throat. “And that, my son, is why I wanted to talk to you.”
Oh. Michael relaxed his shoulders but stayed still as his father continued tying.
“I’m proud of you.” Pops tugged on the ends of the bow and smiled.
“You are?”
“I was so happy when I heard you were going out with Dani tonight.”
Michael’s spirits sank a bit. “Aw, Dad. I gotta be honest. I am going out with her, and believe me, what I feel for her is real and true. But this party is actually a work thing.”
“I know. But you’re beginning to find a better balance, son. You’re making room in your life for someone else. And I think you and Dani are a good match. Your mom always thought so too.”
“Mom? How?”
His father nodded. “She called it from the time you broke your arm catching her when she fell from the trellis. And she was right about your job too.”
“What do you mean?”
“I thought you would be a healer. I loved that you wanted to be a doctor and would’ve reveled in having a practice together. But she knew. You were born a defender. A defender of your siblings. Your friends. And now your city.”
“So you don’t hate that I became a cop?”
His father sat down on the bed. “Of course not. You’ve worked so hard to defend your mother’s honor these last five years. And it probably felt like I didn’t respect that. But it was only that I saw you losing yourself and losing your faith. You were searching so hard for truth in the dark that you forgot to seek the light. But it’s back. I see it in you again. And I thank God for it.”
Wow. Michael’s eyes stung. “But I still haven’t found justice for her.”
“Maybe not in your definition of justice. But you’ve come back to life. And that’s more important. So even if you never find who killed her, you’ll be okay.”
He was right. Michael wasn’t going to stop investigating, but he wouldn’t let the case consume him anymore.
His father stood and pulled an envelope out of his pocket. He held it out. “I have this for you.”
“What is it?” Michael took it.
“A little something to help and to thank you for all you do here.”
“Huh?”
“I saw listings for apartments nearby on the computer downstairs.”
“Yeah, Pops, I didn’t mean for you to find out ye?—”
“I only wanted to say, it’s about time.”
“Wait. What? You want me to go?”
“Yes! Go live your life, Michael. We’ll be okay.” He squeezed Michael’s shoulder before he turned to leave. He paused at the door and looked back. “Besides, I already agreed to rent your room to Dani Kim. You’ve got two weeks to move out.”
Michael laughed. So maybe the Martinelli household wouldn’t fall apart without him. But he did have a job to do tonight, and he was in danger of running late if he didn’t leave now.
He drove to Josh and Lily’s house. He’d already had the awkward talk with Josh about his feelings for Dani earlier in the week. His friend’s response: He’d laughed and also said “About time.”
