Short Story
He sat in his recliner as he watched his four kids play in the living room. His 15 year-old daughter was preoccupied with her phone scanning to find the latest app. His second kid at 12 was checking out video games on her ipad. The last two siblings, 10 and 8 watched TV and checking the weather reports. They were eager to go outside and play baseball. The dark clouds and thunderstorms, and pounding rain spoiled the day for the boys.
He turned to the small table next to him searching for something interesting to read. There he kept the latest motivational books he bought or the magazines he had subscribed to. He found a book he thought would put him in the frame of mind he desired at that time. The book lifted his spirit for a few minutes. But he stopped as the memories of his deceased wife sprang to his mind. She died when the last kid was two. He hardly thought of marrying again especially since his family was big and he didn't think they wanted to see another woman around the home. So, he settled on remaining their single parent.
As the CEO of a major company he owned, he had to skillfully control his schedules. Holding meetings with staff, engaging other business associates, and being present for significant events in his kids life challenged him. He never complained. In fact, he found joy in knowing that he could have provided a good atmosphere for his kids to grow up in and also being able to run his business successfully.
The rain subsided and the boys ran outside even though the lawns were damp. They donned their baseball gear and pitched and swung to glory. Their father peaked through his window and felt nothing but pride as he watched his kids, though muddied, having fun.
The next day was Father's Day. he got out of bed a bit late. He didn't worry much about breakfast as he knew his daughters had developed the skill at preparing that meal. The boys knocked at his room and invited him out. When he emerged he saw a huge box gift-wrapped at the entrance. Some of the kids urged him to open it. He hesitantly complied. Out sprang his youngest son wishing him a happy Father's Day. His eldest daughter told him that if they all could have have fitted in the box, they would have done so. She also added that she wanted him to know that they are all his present for this special day. He sobbed. The kids then invited him for breakfast. They ate and licked their lips and fingers and smiled. © Wallace Paul June 2024.
He sat in his recliner as he watched his four kids play in the living room. His 15 year-old daughter was preoccupied with her phone scanning to find the latest app. His second kid at 12 was checking out video games on her ipad. The last two siblings, 10 and 8 watched TV and checking the weather reports. They were eager to go outside and play baseball. The dark clouds and thunderstorms, and pounding rain spoiled the day for the boys.
He turned to the small table next to him searching for something interesting to read. There he kept the latest motivational books he bought or the magazines he had subscribed to. He found a book he thought would put him in the frame of mind he desired at that time. The book lifted his spirit for a few minutes. But he stopped as the memories of his deceased wife sprang to his mind. She died when the last kid was two. He hardly thought of marrying again especially since his family was big and he didn't think they wanted to see another woman around the home. So, he settled on remaining their single parent.
As the CEO of a major company he owned, he had to skillfully control his schedules. Holding meetings with staff, engaging other business associates, and being present for significant events in his kids life challenged him. He never complained. In fact, he found joy in knowing that he could have provided a good atmosphere for his kids to grow up in and also being able to run his business successfully.
The rain subsided and the boys ran outside even though the lawns were damp. They donned their baseball gear and pitched and swung to glory. Their father peaked through his window and felt nothing but pride as he watched his kids, though muddied, having fun.
The next day was Father's Day. he got out of bed a bit late. He didn't worry much about breakfast as he knew his daughters had developed the skill at preparing that meal. The boys knocked at his room and invited him out. When he emerged he saw a huge box gift-wrapped at the entrance. Some of the kids urged him to open it. He hesitantly complied. Out sprang his youngest son wishing him a happy Father's Day. His eldest daughter told him that if they all could have have fitted in the box, they would have done so. She also added that she wanted him to know that they are all his present for this special day. He sobbed. The kids then invited him for breakfast. They ate and licked their lips and fingers and smiled. © Wallace Paul June 2024.