Page 84 of The Leaves In Autumn
“Exactly. Here’s the thing though, Teddy…I thought I had more time to get ahold of what was happening.”
My voice breaks. “I didn’t.”
“Oh, Dad. Jesus.”
“Jesus.”
“It wasn’t your fault. Not in any way.”
“I know. But before I started talking with Dr. Franklin, I couldn’t see it.”
He reaches across the table and takes my hand in his. The lump in my throat tightens.
“I think you are a great dad. There’s no doubt in my mind you did all you could. I need you to forgive yourself.”
Nodding is the only response I can give. Tears stream down my face, mirroring the ones streaming down his.
“This is like one of those teachable moments you’re always pointing out. Only it’s not just for me.”
“What do you mean?”
“You took what you knew might have helped Mom had she listened and used it to save yourself. You got help.”
My love for Teddy has always been indisputable. But right now, at this moment, it stands on the highest peak of the tallest mountain.
“I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
“Love you too.”
There’s a long pause and then he smiles.
“To Uranus and back, Dad.”
“To Uranus and back.”
The laughter, and a sweet memory of a young boy thinking I was the funniest man on this planet, lifts us together.
CHAPTER 26
Barbra
The line into The Sassy Biscuit moves up.
“Yay! Almost there.”
I wonder how many times we have been here. It seems appropriate to visit once more, before I take off for the wonderful unknown.
“What are you going to order?”
“Think I’ll try something new.”
We laugh at the thought of changing what has become a delicious habit. It’s like crack.
“Here we go.”
Walking under the black and white striped awning, and the big sign with the wooden spoon, we enter Valhalla. With food so perfectly plated, it could turn you into a food photographer.
“Oh my God. Smell that.”
