#27
The house felt quieter than usual that evening. Not empty—just… still. The kind of stillness that doesn’t come from peace, but from something unspoken waiting to surface. Even the familiar sounds — the hum of the fan, the distant clatter from the kitchen — felt restrained, as if the house itself was holding its breath. He had been there for a while, sitting without really noticing the passage of time. Thoughts came and went, but none stayed long enough to be understood. There was no urgency, no clear reason to speak—just a quiet weight settling in, growing heavier with every passing moment. And somewhere in that silence, without warning, the need to say something… finally became impossible to ignore. Son finally speaks…
“Up until not long ago, I played every game just to keep you and Mom safe… and happy. And I won. Every single one of them. There were close calls — moments that could’ve broken me — but I learned, adapted… and still won. But for the first time in my life… I wanted to do something for myself. Something that gives my life meaning. I started dreaming, for the first time… like a child… but in a man’s body. And somehow… I’m not winning anymore. An athlete gets better with every game. But life… life isn’t a game. Not really. Because right now… I feel like I’ve got no skin in it.”
“Don’t worry, son. You are the greatest gift a father could ask for. I’m proud of the man you’ve become… proud of everything you’ve done for this family. You’ve made your mother happy. That’s everything. It’s all part of God’s plan.”
“Please… don’t bring God into this. You know what, Dad? I had an epiphany. I’ve been living this life for the family, but I’ve been living this life away from the family. Is that God’s plan? God should give challenges… not difficulties.”
“You know I’ve worshipped Him every day of my life.”
“Yes. And maybe that’s why I forgave Him. I forgave God.”
“That sounds like you. Haha! Don’t worry… when I leave this world, I’ll speak to Him myself.”
“You can’t talk like that… not to your son.”
“But it’s the truth. I haven’t been feeling like myself lately.”
“You’re doing fine. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“No… I can’t lie to myself anymore. And I won’t lie to you. My body isn’t what it used to be. I’ve been… suffering quietly.”
[A silence settled between them… longer than usual… and heavier than either of them acknowledged]
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“A father doesn’t burden his son with everything. You’re a grown man. You have your own battles. You’ve given us a good life… more than I ever could have asked for. For me… that’s enough. I can leave this world peacefully.”
“Please…”
“I let fear shape my life, son. Fear of the unknown… fear of taking risks. I hesitated when I should’ve moved forward. But I’m grateful… you didn’t inherit that from me.”
“Fear isn’t the reason. Anyone who feels… fears. Fear, God, or Courage are not the reasons – it’s what we do with them. I’m fearful too. Right now. When a father says his body is failing… what kind of son wouldn’t feel fear? What kind of questionable life would that be?”
“You’ve done enough. Now live your life. Don’t worry about us—we’ll be fine. But I have one wish… Before I go… I want us all under one roof again. As a family. I hope… God makes that possible.”
“…God. Yeah… maybe He will. But you know something? The man who seeks and longs for a family the most… is often the man who can never truly finds it. For him… the reality of existence of a true family in his life somehow is only theoretical. And maybe… or I must say, it is the plan written for me, by God.”
“Hmm! You are not happy with God. I can understand.”
“I forgave him. So, I am not unhappy. After all, it’s a man’s responsibility to understand and support God, when he doesn’t serve you when you need him the most. “
Power and Pelf 