II.
I couldn't believe I was smack dab in the middle of the whole 'Doctor breaking the news to the family' scene. The guy was doing a pretty good job of it, considering. Considering he had a nice, big, secure income and he had no clue how 'the news' was going to change my life. My old man gone. That father – son bond never quite took for us. Now it never would.
"Oh, Hank…Hank!…" My Mom kept sobbing and wouldn't stop calling Dad's name.
Dear God, now what were we going to do?
III.
Walking quietly down the brightly lit hallway, our footsteps muffled by the mauve carpet. Trying not to be repelled by the sweetened, cloying, antiseptic smell that couldn't cover the aging human odors. Thinking how I'm thankful for all the people who come here to work everyday and everyday continue to care.
"Mom? It's me, Henry. Hey, Mom – look here, at my face. Yeah, that's right, Henry, remember? Julie and I brought your favorite – Tulips! Pink ones – see? Here's little Hank. He really looks just like Dad, don't you think? Things at the plant are good. Joe, Dad's old boss said to tell you hello."
