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Checking the time, I shoved my feet out of bed, took a quick shower and dressed in a pair of trackpants, then wandered down to the kitchen. My son, Dillon was stirring in his room—his phone went off which could only mean he’d already sent his first text to Eli.
A part of me told me he was in love with Eli—but he hadn’t said anything to me or Uncle Charlie.
Whatever he came out as was completely up to him.
I just wanted to raise a happy and healthy son.
For the first time in a while, I made breakfast for the both of us. I knew Dillon liked scrambled eggs with bacon. He made an appearance before his shower—he must have smelled the bacon and wondered who was cooking.
Usually, I’d sneak into his room, kiss his head, remind him not to be late and hurry off to work.
“Dad?” He rubbed his eyes.
“Are you going to eat first?” I asked, smiling at him. “Or shower then eat?”
“Eat first!” He cheered.
As he climbed onto one of the stools, I shared out some food for him, popped slice of toast on the plate and set it in front of him. I then poured him some of his favourite orange juice—with pulp—and placed it beside the plate.
“Is something wrong?” He asked, picking up his fork and the bottle of ketchup.
“No, why?”
“You’re here and not at work.” He drowned his bacon in ketchup.
The bottle farted.
He giggled.
I smiled and shook my head.
Teenagers.
“I’m not complaining,” he said. “But you being home right now is a little weird.”
I shrugged.
“Well, I wanted to spend a little time with you before you went to school today.” I told him.
It was only a partial lie.
A part of the truth was that since my attempted kidnapping, I’d been worried they would go after him. And since we didn’t know whotheywere, that was still a very real possibility.
People knew Dillon was my very soul and if they really wanted to hurt me, he would be a sure way of doing it.
I couldn’t take any chances.
I had to get to the bottom of what was happening.
“I mean, you’re sixteen now.” I continued, sitting beside him with my coffee and food. “It was only yesterday you were this tiny little bundle—wiggling in my arms while trying to stick your fingers into my mouth. And I blinked and suddenly you’re sixteen and I feel like I’ve missed out on all your growing.”
“You’re being dramatic.” He laughed. “You were at every recital, every game—I think you missed one thing and that was because you were in South Korea at a meeting.”
“I’m not being dramatic. You grew up so fast.” I chewed. “And time just seems to be moving faster.”
“Dad, seriously.”
“I know you’re at the age when you’d rather spend time with Eli than your old man.” I pointed out. “But I’m stealing as much time as I can.”
