brimming confusion. Daughter?
Autumn, is he saying he’s your father?
Because you told me …
I told him my parents were dead.
Why did I ever say that? Because
I never believed I’d have to tell
him the truth. “I—I’m sorry. It’s just …”
Grandfather, who has no idea
who Bryce is, or what I said to him,
nevertheless attempts rescue.
He’s never been a father to her.
Trey steps toward Grandfather,
on a collision course. And you,
old man, were never a father to me.
THINGS ARE MOVING
Light-year speed toward implosion.
Guests are turning around in their seats,
wondering what the commotion is.
The ushers push closer, suspecting trouble.
The minister bobs this way and that,
unsure of what to do next. Grandfather
and Trey are close to blows, and
Maureen is clucking like an old hen.
Bryce and Micah are measuring each
other, and the situation. Liam sputters,
then runs off to tell Aunt Cora that things
are going to hell. “Stop it!” I plead.
“You’re ruining Aunt Cora’s day. Can’t
all this wait? Can’t we at least pretend
to be a family, for her sake?” Silence