AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The landscape unfolds in a patchwork of suburban sprawl and green expanses. Shopping centers and office parks give way to rolling green hills. Communities dot the way, box-shaped homes nestled in pockets of serene woodland or perched on slopes, offering fleeting glimpses into everyday life. Leaning left, I look through the windshield and see a tunnel approaching… something I’ve never been through in my life.
Callum notices, puts a hand over the phone speaker and murmurs, “That’s the Fort Pitt Tunnel. The city is on the other side.”
The mouth of the tunnel swallows us up and weirdly, it feels instantly cooler in the vehicle. Artificial lights flicker overhead, casting a rhythmic glow that plays over the interior. The outside noise is muffled, replaced by the echo of vehicles encapsulated within the same stretch. As the darkness of the Fort Pitt Tunnel releases its hold, we’re thrust into daylight, and the Pittsburgh skyline steals my breath.
The buildings, a collection of aspirations set in steel and glass, rise from the ground, their surfaces shimmering with the reflections of a river that winds beneath them like a ribbon of blue silk. One structure, taller and more striking than the rest, pierces the sky, commanding my attention. It stands as if it were the very embodiment of the city’s industrious spirit, a monolith among the clouds. The green slopes of surrounding hills provide a lush counterpoint to the urban contours, serving as a reminder of nature’s proximity to man’s achievements. There are so many bridges—varied shapes, colors and sizes—spanning the watery divide, linking the city’s parts into a coherent whole.
“It’s incredible,” I murmur.
“Cannon… let me call you back,” Callum says, and I turn to find him pocketing his phone. He points through the windows and starts identifying various buildings and bridges, of course pointing out most prominently the Titans’ arena.
We drive past the city only a few miles and then we’re in a more suburban area, supposedly on our way to Callum’s home. He didn’t tell me much other than he lived north of Pittsburgh in a gated community. This didn’t surprise me as I assume he’s made quite a bit of money in his career and he’s taking very good care of my dad. I know how costly those bills are.
But rather than a posh neighborhood, the driver of our car enters the parking lot of a three-story, red brick building.
“Where are we?” I ask.
“I figured you’d want to see your dad before anything,” Callum says, and I notice the sign that says Allegheny Advanced Care.
The surge of emotion that hits me is brutal, mostly because it speaks to the Callum I remember. Always so thoughtful. Right from that very first time we met when Joshua was acting like a jackass and Callum was so gallant. It’s one of the reasons I loved him so much. He always thought of me first.
Always protected me.
Took care of me.
Cherished me.
Until he didn’t when I needed it the most.
It’s a cold wave of water, reminding me that Callum hurt me. It’s utterly confusing since I was just suffused with warmth from his kindness. The push and pull of emotions where he’s concerned are jarring and I wish I could just let the past go.
I look at the beautiful building, which looks very new, the gorgeous landscaping in full summer bloom, and I know the inside is going to be as lovely. Callum took it upon himself to find this place for my father, charter a private jet, and foot the bill.
He expects not a damn thing from me and is doing all this to save me from a horrible life in which I was trapped.
Without thought or hesitation, I reach over and take his hand. I give it a squeeze and I hope he feels how deeply genuine my gratitude is when I smile at him. “Thank you. Yes, I very much would like to see him.”
Callum smiles back. “Good. I’m going to make a grocery store run while you visit him. Everything’s already set up inside… they’re expecting you. Right now, you’re the only approved person on his visitors’ list. I’d like you to add me, if you’re good with that.”
“Yes, of course.” And yeah, some gooey feelings swirl that he’d want to visit my dad too.
Callum exits the car and escorts me up to the door. He glances at his watch. “It’s almost four p.m. How about I pick you up at six? Does that give you enough time?”
“That’s plenty,” I assure him. While I’ll actively talk to my dad and move his arms and legs to help with his therapy, most visits, I just sit in silence with him. But I also want to walk around and check out the place and talk to the care staff.
Callum heads back to the vehicle and after I watch him pull away, I enter the facility that will be my dad’s new home for a while. I’m impressed by how lovely everything is. Nothing looks institutionalized with warm colors on the walls, muted lighting and beautiful art. I know that the décor is lost on many of the patients, especially those like my dad, but it feels like you’re in a home and not a hospital.
The assistant director of the facility is in and she greets me as if we’re old friends. I’m sure having the GM of the Titans make the arrangements ensured a bit of VIP treatment, but everyone we meet as I’m given a tour is genuinely kind and outgoing.
When she finally shows me to my dad’s room, I first check him to make sure he looks good, to see that he’s clean and resting peacefully whether his eyes are open or closed.
He looks good, lying in what appears to be a comfortable bed. Soft music pipes in from a Bluetooth speaker and his eyes are open, blinking periodically—his body’s natural reaction to keep his eyes moist.
“Hey, Daddy,” I murmur as I move to the side of the bed. The walls are a warm shade of gold and the light comes from a bedside table lamp along with windows that overlook an outdoor courtyard. It makes for a peaceful environment, not that my father notices.
I take his hand and start talking. “How are you liking your new home here in Pittsburgh? Did you see the city sort of explode before your eyes when you came through the Fort Pitt Tunnel? It’s like, boom! Mountain, then city. And the rivers are amazing. We’re really lucky that Callum was able to get you into this facility. It’s so nice. You remember Callum, right? Well, I’ll be staying with him for a while until the divorce from Joshua is finalized. I know you never really liked Joshua, so that should make you happy. I feel good about things…”
The assistant director backs out of the room, quietly shutting the door behind her.
