Page 67 of Rhymes with Metaphor
“How can he do that if he’s married?”
“He’s been a widower for twenty-one years.”
“What about you?”
“I’m an adult.”
“He can’t just leave you,” said Joel, sounding outraged.
“Joel, he left me twenty-one years ago.I’ve barely seen him more than once a year since then.”
“Don’t you care?”
“We’ve never been close,” said Reg.“My mother was the one who wanted children, not him.”
“But he’s your dad!”
“Why does this bother you so much?Are you close to your father?”
“No,” said Joel softly.
“Don’t be upset on my account.He’s leaving me the house and some money.The rest goes to the church.”
Joel’s eyelashes flicked against Reg’s chin.It may have been his imagination, but they felt damp.
“Why don’t I take you away?”Reg murmured against him.
“Canada?”Joel raised his eyebrow, and it moved softly against Reg’s lips.
“The other place,” said Reg.“Wales.”
Chapter 17: The Other Place
The next day, theypacked and set off for Wales.While driving over the Severn Bridge, a poem popped into Reg’s head, but he couldn’t pull over and had nothing to write it on.
“Tell me, and I’ll remember,” said Joel.“I have a good memory.”
