“If I give this a title, can I pretend it’s fiction?”

The sun set an hour ago. He is on his way back from his run. He hears his phone ring and answers it.

Out comes the voice of child carrying the facade of a man he shouldn't have to be yet. From his phone flows out frustrations, confusion, and questions he shouldn't have to ask. The young man who never recieved these words speaks them now to the little boy who needed to hear them...

"I am so proud of you. I love you sooo much. I know it isn't easy but you're being a man and doing the right thing. Don't forget that I'm alway's here for you. I love you."

There is a pause as subtle as a shotgun. You can almost hear the earthquake in the boy's voice.

The boy laughs when something funny was said. The young man knows he will be fine now. He's still hurting but the scar will harden and make him strong. The boy talks about school and girls. He mentions his plans for the future and how he likes dogs.

The young man was never a good lier. He wants to believe that he can be one now. As the little boy talks about his crushes and his favorite T.V shows. He swallows his heart ache and makes loud exclamtions like "Wow!" and "Really?" to draw attention away from his breaking voice.He must hold back his sobs, life has taught him that vulnerability is a luxury that is shared with others first.

As the boy now steers the conversation towards superheroes and talks about movie dates, the young man quietly reaches through the phone and gently places the weight of extra years off his little brother's shoulders and on to his own. He smiles a quiet smile and listens to him speak.

How is it that the absence of fathers can create the foundation for new ones?