Page 13 of Trust Me

“I don’t understand,” Dad said. “This guy would only charge you five hundred? Son, that sounds like a scam.”

I laughed around my hot pocket. “It’s not a scam. We go to school together.”

“But why would he give it to you for so cheap?”

“Maybe he doesn’t need the money. Or he wants to harvest my organs. I don’t know, Dad. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“You don’t sound sure.”

“I’m still undecided. Don’t worry so much about me.”

“That’s our job. I wish your mom was here, but she’s working late.”

She was always working late. I couldn’t remember the last time she had a day off. Before I started high school, probably. Even during birthdays and holidays, she’d either come at the end or have to leave early.

“Have her call me when she can,” I said. “Even if it’s late. I’ll get up.”

“She’d love that. It’s only been a month since Christmas, but the house feels empty all over again.”

“I’ll get back there after I graduate. Then, I can help you guys out.”

“Go where there’s opportunity, D. It’s not your job to take care of us.”

“You’re right. It’s not my job; it’s my goal. Look, I’m going to get a job and I’m not going to play football next season. That way I can work and send you guys some money.”

“D . . .”

“It’s just football, Dad. There are more important things.”

He sighed. “You’re stubborn as a mule, you know that? I’d blame it on your mom, but she’d blame it on me.”

Finally, I was able to smile. “Let’s say it’s both.”

“Do what you feel is best, but do not send us all of the money you make. Start saving it. Treat yourself once in a while, and don’t let yourself be blinded by this survival state of mind. There’s more to life than that.”

“Yeah, but you have to survive first.”

“Bah. You need to learn how to live. It doesn’t require money. Dance in the rain. Kiss under the stars. Run beneath the moonlight. Experiences are what make up the memories you’ll see in your final moments.”

“Okay, old man.” I expected him to laugh, but it was silent. “Dad?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just need to lie down. I’m getting one of those migraines.”

“Close the curtains, too. It’s why I got you the blackout ones.”

“Yes, sir.”

I breathed a laugh before I ended the call. It was hard not to fuss over him, but he hated it. My mom did that enough whenever he’d allow it. No matter what, he was never at a hundred percent, but he got by, and you’d never catch him complaining.

With a sigh, I looked at the things on my side of the room. Everything I owned was in this little space. If I did move, at least I wouldn’t need to scrounge up money for a U-Haul. My entire life would probably fit in one box.