Welcome Home Dad

Welcome Home Dad

By Ryan L.

Rated: G

I wake up early in the morning before the sunlight seeps through my window. I’m very excited today and hardly slept the whole night. Today is the day we've been waiting for. It’s been a long time since we've seen him.

Dad sent me some letters while he was away in a place with a funny name I have a hard time saying.

Dear Sam,

Here I am on the other side of the world. It’s very cold here, but I’m happy knowing you and Mom are nice and warm in your blankets back home. Yesterday, some of the boys and I received the care packages from our friends back home. Nothing beats the taste of candy. When I get back I’ll take you to Susie’s on 5^th and Henry Street. I know how much you love their candy and malts. Have you been taking care of mom like we talked about? I know you are. I’m proud of you, son. I have a gift for you when I get back, but you’ll have to wait until you’re old enough. Tell Mom and Grandpa I love them. All my love and affection,

Dad

That was only one letter he’s sent me. It’s nice isn't it? Some even have pictures. There are strange men in dirty clothes with smiles and metal hats. He looks happy too. I’m not sure what it is, but they’re sitting on a big metal box with wheels. There’s something very scary about it.

We get to the big garden. There are many people staring in the same direction along the cobble street. I’m not sure what everyone is waiting for. All I know is my Dad will be walking up the road with his friends in the funny hats and dirty clothes.

I feel silly and uncomfortable in my big boy suit. Mom and Grandma say I have to wear it so everyone can see how fine I look. That I’m almost a grown up. I think if I have to wear these clothes to be a grown up then it’s worth it. All the other boys and men are dressed like me. Are we all grown up if we wear black?

Someone in the crowd gasps and points down the road. Now everyone is looking. I have a hard time seeing anything. There are too many grown ups. I push my way through the crowd. No one seems to notice me. But I remember my manners and say “Excuse me” and “Pardon me” every time I brush against someone.

I see it at last. A line of men in fancy uniforms. They’re carrying a box with a flag on it. I try to poke my head out of the crowd to see if Dad is almost here. I don’t see him. So I try a little more and take a few tentative steps into the street. Before I can call for him, Mom snags me back out of the street. She’s standing behind me. And even thought I can’t see her, I can feel her body trembling. Grandma comes forward and wraps her arm around her. I've never heard Grandma cry before.

The rest is a haze. The flag is folded in a particular way. Every fold and crease is made just so. The man says some words to Mom. She takes the flag in her hands. I can tell she’s trying hard not to cry now. I wonder why now and not before.

A short while later some men in fancy uniforms say more things I don’t understand. Where’s my Dad? Mom and Grandma said he’d be here. We came here just to see him. I see a man standing next to six men holding something in their hands. The man sounds off. His grey eyes find mine and shear into me. Cold steel seeps into my soul.

The man shouts.

Bang

I jump back and bump into Mom. She’s crying even more now. Is she crying because of the loud noise? I get ready to tell the scary man to stop.

Bang

My heart leaps into my throat where it flounders and sputters.

Bang

I’m crying now. I’m not sure why. All I know is my Dad isn't here.

Back at home Grandma falls asleep in the kitchen chair. She forgot to drink her coffee. Mom pulls a blanket over her and kisses her cheek. She sees me watching. She smiles. Such a sad thing. I’m not sure why. Mom picks me up and takes me upstairs to my room. She takes off my shoes and jacket. As she holds me tight in bed she tells me Dad isn't coming back.  Mom presents the gift Dad wanted me to have when I’m old enough. Dad’s combat knife. She tells me she’ll keep it safe for me until I’m all grown up.

I wake up early in the morning. Before the sun’s first light seeps through my window. I check the clock on the wall. 5:03. I slept in too long. I will myself out of bed and dress. Place my shirt and pants on. Strap on my boots. Grab my papers. I walk to my side drawer by my bed and retrieve my treasure beneath the useless junk I forgot was even in there. I open a small box and pull out Dad’s combat knife. I think back on the day of his funeral.

Bang

I look to the desktop by the lamp for one last look at Grandma’s picture. It’s been hard since her passing.

Bang

As I creep through the hall and wince at each creek of the wooden floorboards, I stop just outside Mom’s room. I stand there, torn and unsure. I decide to risk it. I gently open the door and make my way to Mom, sleeping sound beneath the covers. Silent, I place the letter on her bible where I know she will see it. I go to turn and stop, suddenly afraid. I’m shaking. My hand clenches the knife tighter and tighter until my knuckles turn white. My heart pounds against my chest. It’s a wonder Mom doesn't awaken with such a thunderous sound beside her. I twist my head and stare at her. There is a part of me that wants nothing more than to wake her up. I know she will stop me if I do. I look to Dad’s knife in my hand. Place it on top of the farewell letter.

Bang

As a shadow, I take my leave and gingerly close the door behind me and make my way outside.

I adjust my pack and stand waiting for the taxi that will take me where I need to go.

Somewhere over the seas men fight and die. I’m off to join them.

You’ll keep me safe. Right, Dad?