It was a sunny day, not too warm and not too cold. Just the right temperature, well, if you were having a good day. But Andy was not. The weather was immaterial as Andy scuffed his feet along. He did not want to be up at this hour, let alone walking down the sidewalk in this particular direction. There was no way he could avoid it, he had to go. He promised. What he wouldn't give for a sudden thunderstorm with hail so heavy that it was dangerous to go outside. Or lightning flashing so close by that anyone would run the risk of being struck if they stepped outdoors. Or what if strange beings from another planet picked today of all days to visit Earth. Not mean aliens because he wasn't prepared for battle, but friendly aliens. Or...or...hm? Well, something big but not where people got hurt or killed or anything like that. There was enough death as it was, without nature or aliens adding to it.
Andy sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. His shoulders were hunched and his eyes looking down. He knew where he was going and just didn't want to go. He usually loved visiting his mom and helping out around the house. They had always gotten along but recently he had taken on a bigger role. She depended on him and that's why he agreed to help her today.
“I was beginning to wonder about you Andy.” His mom said with a warm smile. “Come in, come in. I've got fresh ice tea and donuts.”
“Jelly?” Andy perked up for moment.
“Of course.” She lead him into the kitchen and poured a tall glass of ice tea and set it by the plate full of jelly donuts.
“Awesome!” Andy was grabbing a donut even as he sat down. “Thanks!”
After Andy had polished off half the tea and 2 donuts, his mother cleared her throat softly. “I know you are not looking forward to this. And I know how hard it is, but I really appreciate your help. I...I just couldn't do it myself. Too many memories.”
“It's ok Mom.” Andy patted his mom's hand. “I'd better get to it.”
“Anything of your dad's that you'd like to keep. Go ahead.” His mom dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.
“Thanks Mom. Don't worry. I'll take care of it.” Andy gave his mom a quick hug then grabbed another donut and headed upstairs. “Last chance aliens...or mother nature. Anyone? Bummer.”
Andy trudged upstairs and down the hall. He walked into his father's office and took a deep breath. “Still smells like you.” He walked over to the desk and sat in the chair looking around the room at all the memories. “I miss you Dad.”
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