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Coming Home Chris followed their black lab through the door into their home. He had just gotten off work, picked up Thor from doggy daycare, and managed to even grab dinner for he and his wife, Jen. As he knew that Jen would be home soon, he set the two large pizzas on top of the stove, paused, and began to rethink this course of action. I should probably put these in the oven, so our local counter surfing pup doesn’t ingest dinner before we get to. Thor had time to run up the stairs, grab one of his favorite squeaky toys, and run back down by the time Chris had set the paper plates onto the counter. The pooch dropped the toy at his dad’s feet, wagging his tail happily, as the man spoke to him lovingly. “You wanna play? Didn’t you get all of your energy out at doggy daycare today?” He smiled when the dog jumped up to give him a hug. He rubbed his ears gently, enjoying his time with his furry son. He sighed in nostalgia as he knew who else loved Thor more than life itself. Kaitlyn… It had been a long six months since they had last seen or spoken to Kaitlyn. After they had discovered that she had lied to them about much of her family stealing from her, the DA, and the money, they had been devastated. Crushed. Heartbroken. It had never been about the money. This was about Kaitlyn and her demons. How she felt the need to lie, deceive them for many months, and destroy their trust, all because she didn’t want to lose them, and she would’ve done or said anything to keep them in her life. Chris understood why she did it. He even understood how. But there was a burning question that took up free rent in his mind. Why couldn’t she see that we loved her unconditionally? Chris didn’t doubt that her mother had really done some mental damage to her. Because why else, would she go to such lengths for their approval? It had hurt, but they had to keep their distance. In extreme cases where she needed something, that they could help with, they provided it through their mutual karate teacher who was also, Kaitlyn’s landlord. But anything other than that, there was no contact. Bitterness, hurt, and anger filled their minds and their hearts for a while. Over time, the wounds had stung less and less. Then it became a scab, and it was itchy. That’s how they knew they were healing. It didn’t hurt anymore, but it definitely left a scar. Maybe someday, they could talk things over and start over again. Someday, but not today. He kissed Thor’s head, washed his hands, unceremoniously untucked his shirt, and poured himself a generous helping of rum. He sighed happily as he took a sip, letting the smooth flavor wash over his dry palate. He never tasted the burn anymore, and couldn’t even remember the last time that it did burn. The alcohol relaxed him after a long day. Feeling it’s effects take over, he went to turn on the TV, and sit in his favorite recliner, propping up his feet as he did so. Suddenly, his heart clenched painfully as he was reminded of something. I really miss that kid.