Dad had paid the difference.
When my hours were cut, Dad still demanded rent.
But his notebook showed that he doubled my deposit that month.
When I complained that my shoes leaked, he had told me to wear extra socks.
I clenched my jaw remembering it.
Then I found the explanation.
Could’ve bought him shoes today. Didn’t.
Underneath:
Need him to believe I’m not rescuing him every time life gets uncomfortable. I hate this part.
I stared at those words for a long time.
I hate this part.
Then I looked at the five pairs of worn shoes inside the box.
“Why did he keep them?”
Frank rubbed his jaw.
“He told me those shoes reminded him you kept going.”
I shook my head.
“That sounds sentimental for him.”
Frank laughed once.
“Your father was sentimental about everything. He was just terrified someone might notice.”
For the first time that night, I laughed too.
