That One Summer

Thursday, July 7th, 2022. It was here.  The premiere of Thor: Love and Thunder.  Was I that excited? Am I that much of a Thor stan that it inspired me to write?  No.  It brought on quite a different feeling actually.  I was downcast. It was the first Marvel movie that we hadn’t watched together on opening weekend.

Tuesday, June 7th, 2022. Graduation night.  We all stood around waiting for him to make his way toward us.  Us being me, Asia, my sister and her family, my brother, my ex wife and her family, and his girlfriend and her family.   While we were waiting, one of our football manager’s parents approached me.  They went on to speak highly of Miles as he and their son had become good friends over the year.  They thanked me as I was also their son’s English teacher. They finished with appreciation…of the way everything had fallen into place during a very special season.

“Watching all of the boys…Those Friday nights were so much fun.  You know one of the things that we’ll miss the most?  You and Miles standing next to each other.”

Yeah, me too.

5:30 am, Monday, June 20, 2022.  Miles wanted to spend some time in the Valley with his girl and his friends before he had to report to college. I had already been up for a few hours. I don’t sleep much, but I was especially uneasy that night.  He had packed his car the night before, so all he had to do was wash up that morning.

“All right Dad, I’m leaving.”

From my bedroom to the front door…Longest walk of my life.  We hugged each other.  I didn’t want to let go, but I didn’t want his shoulder to get wet either.  I couldn’t hold back the tears; the dam broke.

“I love you.  Be careful and text me.”

I was barely audible.  I turned away.  Tears, snot, whale sounds…all of that shit.  It was the ugliest of ugly cries.  I stood in the doorway as he drove off.