Episode 348: Meet Me Half Way

His hand reached for a framed photo. A family portrait. Her son must’ve been five or six. The three of them looked perfect. She gazed at the husband like a perfect dutiful wife. Nothing like she looked at him. Still. After all this time.

And when he did this thing he had no choice but to do that likely would be lost.

As he suffered a terribly hard swallow, a finger tapped his shoulder and he jumped out of his skin.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you sir."

He turned to face the young man. His gut twisted, almost angry at the kid for existing. He held out a hand, determined to be civil. "Calvin Baird."

"Paul Jordan, Genevieve told me you’re looking for my dad, he’s not home, could I help? I have a few minutes before my next class."

He had no choice, Calvin assured himself, it wasn’t fair that Sarette should have her family while he had nothing. While their daughter had no one but a musician and a co-worker. It wasn’t fair that Sarette wasn’t at least attempting to make things right for the first family she’d created.

"I used to live here."

"You did? My mother’s family has been here for generations. You must have the wrong- Oh did you work here?"

"Your grandpa’s hockey team drafted me, I was only seventeen, he thought it best I live here to stay out of trouble. That’s how I met your mother. We became-"

"Fast friends," Sarette announced, flying down the stairs, breathless. She swept him into a hug, so tight. "It’s wonderful to see you again," she said to cover for the tears pouring down her cheeks. Her whisper repeatedly choked in his ear. "I’ll go with you. I’ll talk to her. Just, please don’t."

Calvin discreetly kissed her hairline grateful and sorry all at once.

Episode 349: This War