Page 46 of Rumor Has It

“How is he? What happened?”

She begins to tremble as she talks. “He hasn’t been feeling well for a week or so.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” My chest aches when her frown deepens.

She pats my back as we walk arm in arm through the doors. “You stay so busy, love.”

“Doesn’t matter; you’re more important than any of the other stuff.”

“We know coming home isn’t pleasant for you, so we hate to mention it.” She cringes. I get it. No matter how long it’s been, I feel the same way about the topic.

“Don’t ever let that stop you Mom. I want to be here for you and Dad.” I hug her close. “You’re all I have, what’s most important.”

She points at the room ahead of us. “He’s in there, baby.”

“I’m not ready for this, Mom.” I step through the door on shaky legs, to find my dad hooked up to every machine known to man. “Dad.” I ease up to the side of the bed, rousing him from sleeping.

“Boone?” He reaches for my hand, latching onto it. “If I had known this would’ve got you to come home, I could’ve done it years ago.”

I lean in, kissing him on the forehead. “I love you, ole man.”

“I’ll show you old.” He tugs on my hand, his eyes teeming with emotion. “It’s good to see you. I hate you had to come back under these circumstances.”

“Stop it.” I grip his cool fingers. “It’s been a long time coming.”

“That it has.” He forces a smile. “We’ll play a little ball when I get out of here.”

I chuckle when Mom snorts from crying so much. “I’ve never played it from a wheelchair, so you’ll have to teach me.”

A single tear runs down his cheek. “It’s so good to have you home, son.”

“It’s good to be home, Dad.”

As fast as I left Cherry Grove, I came back. Some things are worth fighting for, while others are better left in the past. I stay with my dad, watching over him so Mom can go home and get some rest.

It really is good to be home.