I Can't Do Tomorrow

Luke stepped outside for the first time in days. A numbness covered his heart. We should be in the woods looking for Robby. Maybe it was a safety mechanism, maybe a survival instinct. Whatever the reason, Luke felt cold. He told his mother he loved her, but inside he felt distant. She’d been ingrained to do things by the book. Her years as a prosecutor had shaped her into who she was. Luke’s mind questioned her motives. Whose side is she on? Does she care more about her career, or her sons?

The air felt warm. Luke squinted, rays of sun penetrated his eyes, shooting laser beams into his retinas. Once recalibrated to the daylight, Luke noticed paint beginning to peel off the wooden doors to the family’s two car garage. Dad would roll over in his grave. The thought surprised Luke, feeling ashamed for thinking of his father that way.

“Sorry dad, forgive me.” Luke whispered as he opened the door and pulled out his bike. “It’s just the stress.”