Why don’t you ever tell the kids that they can’t do something? Or that they can’t have something? You always let them do and have everything. You’re so easy on them and I’m always the bad guy here. I’m sick of it! she yelled. She didn’t wait for the answer she just turned around and went to the bedroom slamming the door.
Brandon stayed in the kitchen and sat down. He knew that sometimes he should say no to their children but he couldn’t. He wanted them to be happy. He wanted his kids to have what he didn’t have – a sweet innocent childhood. He didn’t want them to worry about anything.
His dad died when he was six and he hardly remembered him. One of the rare memories he had of his dad was him coming home from work one day. He came through the door, looking tired and angry. He was dressed in a black suit, a white shirt and a black tie. The suit was a bit wrinkled on his back from him sitting all day. Dad took it off and carefully hung it on the coat hanger. He had yellow stains on his shirt, under his armpits.
He sat down at the kitchen table and put his briefcase on the table and opened it. The briefcase was always full of papers in dark brown folders. Brandon knew those papers were important and he always wanted to read them but his dad wouldn’t even allow him to touch them.
Can we play cowboys and Indians? Brandon asked.
Don’t you see I’m busy? I’m trying to work here, go away I don’t have time to fool around dad answered not even looking at him.
His dad was a serious man, an important lawyer in a big law firm. He always went to work early in the morning and came home late in the evening.
Once there was a circus in town and his mum convinced dad to take Brandon and his brother . He remembered how excited he was. He wanted to take a ride on the small ferris wheel because he knew he wasn’t old enough for the big one. He secretly dreamt about the ride for weeks and when they were finally there he asked his parents if he could go.No said his dad sharply.
Why not, I’m big enough for the little one Brandon asked, still hoping his dad would say yes.
It’s expensive. And I said no!
Brandon knew he shouldn’t make his dad angry if he ever wanted to see the circus again.
Soon after that his dad died. Brandon promised himself that he would allow his kids to take as many rides on a ferris wheel as they wanted.
Photo taken from here.
This happens to so many people in life. It's sad isn't it? I used to be that way with my son, but as he was getting old, I let him go on all the rides he wanted. My mother kept me from having lots of fun and I found myself being like her and stopped it! Nice post.
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard to put life/death into perspective when it comes to kids/work. It's easy to say, "No, not now. Later." when you have a work deadline and miss the crushed face of the child you just said no to...but in reality "No" is necessary sometimes. The answer can't always be yes. Life lessons like that remind you to say yes more often but stress of everyday life wears on everyone, especially parents. I'm not a parent because of that very reason.
ReplyDeleteWonderful short story
awes.... Love it!
ReplyDeleteReally great description of Brandon's dad coming through the door "looking tired and angry...". I could see his wrinkled suit.
ReplyDeleteI am glad he went the other way, I was curious whether the story came back to the "kitchen where he sat down" before the flash back.
good story!
Brilliant! your very good!
ReplyDelete@Bouncin' Barb - Thank you for commenting. This happens quite often I think.
ReplyDelete@Jewels - Parents should find balance between "no" and "yes". And if they can't they shouldn't have children.
@Doria - Thanks :)
@Shopgirl - Thank you so much! I'm glad that you liked it.
@Rebecca - Thanks hun, I'm glad you liked it :)