Chapter 36

Husband.

I say, “Dad—”

But he cuts me off, wiping his bald spot with a trembling hand. “We’re damn proud of you, son. Damn proud!”

My mother is on my right side, consoling me.

My father’s voice cracks as he says, pointing up at Philip and me, “Your mom and I could not ask for better sons. We love you both.” His eyes mist over, and he pauses, looking to where my mother stands beside me. He nods at her, extending his hand, wheezing. “Get my pills for me?”

Mom rummages inside one of her luggage bags on the floor. She pulls out an orange pill bottle. She unclasps the childproof cap and digs out a large white pill and hands it to Dad.

He dry-swallows it.

“What’s that for?” I ask.

My father shakes his head, grunting. “Arthritis, son. It comes with age.”

My mother says to me, gesturing towards Philip to change the conversation, “We don’t see enough of the two of you. Your dad and I didn’t want to miss being here in Milestone County for Christmas.”