Little Moments (Second Chances 2)

I give him a confused look. “Talk? About what?”

“How was school today?”

“Dad, it’s eleven fifteen in the morning. I was only there for a couple of hours.”

He sighs deeply. “Fine, let me tell you a story.”

“But Dad, you need your rest. You can barely breathe.”

“I’m okay. So, a young man from a loving Italian family ventures out into the big city to discover the possibilities. He thought he would find a career, friends, adventure, but instead, he found the love of his life. At first, he was hesitant and thought that she would never fall in love with him, but after believing in himself, he found the confidence he needed to pursue her, and finally, he won her love. They married and shared long-lasting memories together until their greatest joy happened: the birth of their son. The father and son instantly became a dynamic duo. Their bond grew strong and unbreakable. The love between them would outlast eternity and never falter. Even when life takes an unexpected turn, their bond will remain intact. Even after death, he will always look after his son. From the heavens, he will watch over him and guide him through the tough choices in life. He will provide guidance in understanding life’s perils. His spirit will forever be within his son. And if his son ever feels lonely, I want him to know that he can always look up and talk to his father, even if it’s just to tell him how his day was.”

Listening to his story I smile. My dad reaches up to touch my cheek. “I’ll always be here for you. Just talk whenever you need me.”

Panic builds inside, and I just break down. Holding him tight, I cry, “I can’t! I can’t do it! I’m not ready!”

He struggles to calm me down. “Let it out Roman.”

“I’m going to miss you so much Daddy. What will I do without you? What’s going to happen?”

“I’ll miss you too Son. You need to stay strong for your mother. I know she’ll act tough but I know her. She’ll need you, and you’ll need her. Take care of one another, and when you’re older, watch over her. You’re all she has left. Be a good son. Protect her. Keep her safe.”

“But…but I’m just a kid. How can I do all that?”

“Because I see goodness and compassion in you. You are strong, and I believe that you will be able to handle this. You can do this. I know you can.”

I see his determination, and so I nod. “Okay, I promise Daddy.”

We hold on to each other again until my mom walks back into the bedroom. We stay and watch over him, holding his hands until he breathes his last breath.

As I think about the last day I spent with my father, I look down into my suitcase and find a framed picture of me and my parents at one of our travel spots. Anger and sadness courses through my body, and all I see is red. I look at the picture and see a broken family. Grabbing hold of it, I throw it across the room, shattering the glass. Seconds later, footsteps approach, and my uncle barges into the room.

“Are you all right? What happened?”

I shake my head. “No, no. I couldn’t keep it! I broke my word!”

My uncle bends down and tries to calm me. “What? You broke what?”

“My promise. I promised to keep her safe and…and I couldn’t. Now he must be disappointed in me. I messed up. I failed. He was wrong. I wasn’t strong enough.”

Roman

WALKING TO MY LOCKER, my best friend Gabe greets me in the hall.

“Hey Roman, how was Christmas break?”

“It was okay. You know the usual stuff. Working at the bakery.”

Gabe smiles. “Oh man, your aunt’s sugar cookies are the best! I swear just thinking about them makes my stomach growl. Do you have to work tonight?”

We reach my locker and I open it to grab the materials for my next class. “You know I work every night Gabe. When do I NOT work?”

He pats my shoulder. “Dude! Come on, live a little. I’m thinking about throwing a party this weekend. You should come by. My sister’s friends will be there, and I bet they’d love to meet you.” He gives me a sly smile.

Gathering my books and stuffing them in my book bag, I glance around the halls. Going to an all-boys Catholic high school has its setbacks. You surround yourself with raging teenage boys and testosterone practically seeps into the hallways. The mention of any girl or girl’s name will spark the interest of anyone within a ten-foot radius, so as soon as Gabe mentions his sister, all eyes are on me.

I turn toward class. “I don’t know if I can make it. You know I’m—”

Gabe gives me a stern look. “Don’t give me any excuses! Drop your plans for Saturday—well, I’m pretty sure you don’t have any, so that means you’re free. You WILL attend. I don’t care what chores you need to do at the bakery; just get them done before the party.”