Page 68 of Deep Down
Tears streamed down his face as he rested his elbows on his bent knees and gripped his hair. He sobbed into his cocoon, babbling incoherently as arms came around him and held him tight.
Craig had no idea how long he’d sat there. When he became lucid once more, he took note of his physical body. His head pounded, his eyes felt like sandpaper, his nose was sore and his whole body was one aching mess.
“Thanks, Dad.” His voice came out croaky as he deeply breathed in his father’s scent.
“No thanks needed.” Craig felt the rumble of his voice through his chest. “Do you feel better now?”
Craig pondered the question. He felt a certain lightness in him that hadn’t been there before. “Actually, yes. My body hurts like mad, but emotionally…yeah.”
“Good. Why don’t you go and have a shower and clean up, then come down for dinner?”
Craig pulled away slowly and glanced over. “I will.” There were tear tracks on his father’s face, but neither acknowledged them.
His dad helped him to his feet and held him until he was steady, dropping a kiss on Craig’s forehead.
Craig exhaled and chose some fresh clothes, shuffling to the bathroom. There was something cathartic about crying.
****
Craig raced down the street towards the glass shop, excited about buying a new paperweight. He wanted to see if he could find one relating to his emotional state. It wasn’t going to be easy because he had no idea what he was searching for, but he wanted to be able to find something which called to him and helped him remember this feeling of being free. Because Craig knew it wouldn’t last indefinitely.
“Craig!”
Craig glanced over towards the voice and waved when he recognised Casey. Checking the road before jogging over, Craig smiled as he neared the paramedic outside the deli.
“Hey. What are you doing here?” Craig asked.
“Ah, I’ve got a short respite, so I’m grabbing a sandwich before I get called away again. I’ve not seen you for a while. How are you?”
“Good, thanks. I have ups and downs as to be expected, but I’m getting there.” It was a nice feeling to be optimistic about his future.
Casey beamed. “That’s great. I’m glad to hear it.”
“Thank you for everything you did for me.” Craig couldn’t remember if he had thanked Casey before, but it never hurt to do it again.
“You’re more than welcome, Craig. Hey, tell you what. Do you fancy coming out with me and some other guys this weekend? There’s a big group of us who get together, sometimes all of us, sometimes a few of us.” Casey placed his order before glancing back at Craig for his answer.
His stomach fluttered at the thought. “Let me think about it.”
“Alright. Let me give you my number, then you can give me a call if you decide to join us.”
They swapped numbers and said goodbye, Craig continuing to his destination. It wouldn’t be too bad going out to meet new people, especially as he already knew Casey. Amanda had said he needed to try and move on also. He should go.
