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ister’s hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t mind you asking. You’re not overbearing; you worry as mom does.”
“Can you blame us? Heather you’re—”
“I’m fine. I promise. When I’m ready to get back out there, I will.”
Sonia sighed. “Okay, I won’t say anymore tonight.”
“Thank you,” Heather replied.
She breathed a little easier for the rest of the night as they ate ice cream and watched Sense and Sensibility, the one with Emma Thompson. By the time the end credits rolled, her sister hugged her goodnight before heading over to their mother’s house.
Heather locked her door after her and strolled to her bedroom. Tinsel hurried past her to his bed in the corner of her room. Heather grabbed her pajamas from her closet, her eyes skimming the unopened shoebox on the floor. She rolled her eyes and changed for bed.
***
Allen pulled up into his driveway of his father’s Cape Cod house. He exited the car and climbed the few steps to the front door, using the spare key his father gave him, Allen entered his childhood home. The sounds from the television pulled him to the living room.
“Pop?” he called out.
“Shhhh,” his father said with a wave of his hand. “Law and Order is almost over.”
Allen proceeded to the kitchen, smelling the scented soap from the sink. He placed the cart of ice cream in the freezer.
“Okay, what now?” his father asked.
Allen walked back to the living area. His father reclined in the overstuffed chair. His favorite mug sat on the coffee table along with the latest puzzle.
A corner of Allen’s mouth quirked up since he gave him the “Best Dad Ever” mug as a little boy one day for Father’s Day. He then reached down and added a piece to the puzzle. Vivid blues and greens were coming to life. A lake surrounded by lush green grass with white puffy clouds in the pale blue sky.
“Are you alright? I replaced the ice cream,” Allen said.
“I got everything I need. What took you so long?”
Though burly shouldered with a serious face, his father looked tired. Allen hoped he was getting enough rest. Surviving the heart attack was one thing, but recuperating was a different story. At least it was minor. He could have lost his father had it been worse.
“What’s that look for?” his father embraced him when he came over to hug him. His father held him for a second before letting him go. “How did a trip to the grocery store depress you that quick?”
Allen shook his head. “I’m not depressed. Just a lot on my mind.”
His father then faced the mantle of his fireplace. Allen’s eyes followed, spotting the photo of his mother.
“I know that feeling.” His father rubbed at his chest. “I know it well.”
“You sure you don’t want me to stay the night?” Allen asked, ignoring the heaviness in his heart.
“I’m fine. I’m a grown man and I don’t need a babysitter.” Then his father’s gaze softened. “I’m alright. What took you so long?”
Allen swallowed despite the thickness in his throat. “Dinner with Desmond and Morgan.” He wouldn’t tell his father about the blind date. Not yet anyway. “I got an early day tomorrow, so I’ll see you later.”
His father replied, “I’m glad you went out. Desmond thinks you’ve become a homebody.”
“You would think he’d give me some time to get used to Maple Meadow. I enjoy being at home. What’s so wrong with that?”
“Nothing, but not if it’s keeping people out of your life. Your cousin wants to introduce you around. You know, have you to meet some new people.”
Allen mumbled under his breath. “He sure did that tonight with Morgan.” Then again, his cousin did give him a way out. He looked like a calf at a new gate seeing Portia at the table.
“You say something?” his father asked.
