HUM by Dan Hawley

Author:Dan Hawley [Hawley, Dan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The New normal: Book 1
Publisher: Dan Hawley
Published: 2021-05-10T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

Friday came like Christmas, slow and full of hope and anticipation. The sleep appointment was slated for late afternoon, and Jason could think of little else. Except, perhaps, that he was going to be a dad soon. He desperately needed Dr. Luu’s help. How could he be a father and look after Samantha and the baby if he was batshit?

Jason was sitting in the apartment’s office, the door open today, staring blankly at his computer monitor. He had work to do but couldn’t focus. And he had been getting behind lately. Jason had had a video meeting the previous day with his fearless leader, William, and it had not gone well. Jason had fallen behind, and the work he had submitted was mediocre at best.

“I know the situation isn’t ideal,” William had said. “But I’m counting on your big brain to deliver what I know it can deliver.”

Jason had just sat there, trying not to look tired and distracted.

“Sorry William, I’ll get it together, I promise.”

“If you need anything, Jason, please reach out.” Video meetings; the new normal.

After William had disconnected from the call, Jason had unbuttoned the top two buttons of his black dress shirt and discarded it in the corner of the room. The wifebeater underneath was much more comfortable.

He wore that same, slightly smelly tank top today, the Friday morning of the appointment. It was like the last glimmer of hope; the last bastion of sanity in a dark, befuddled world. Jason didn’t know what he would do if Dr. Luu couldn’t help him.

Perish the thought.

Dr. Luu HAD to help him. After all, Jason couldn’t be the first person who moved shit around in their sleep, listened to the walls, and sleepwalked in the middle of the day, right? At the very least, the good doctor would likely prescribe some little blue or green pill to treat the symptoms.

Jesus, thought Jason, what if I need an actual therapist? Or what if I’m so fucked up that even that therapist can’t do anything for me?

I’m gonna be a terrible dad.

Jason’s thoughts were interrupted as Samantha darkened the doorway.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” he replied.

The couple just watched each other for a few moments. The laptop fan kicked on, and the sound mingled abrasively with the hum behind the walls. It was like two choir singers who couldn’t quite harmonize. It set Jason’s teeth on edge.

“Lunch is almost ready.”

Samantha looked down and motioned to leave when Jason said, “Thanks, babe.”

She stopped and looked back into his eyes. They were tired but kind, softened by thoughts of the day ahead.

“You’re a saint for putting up with this, with me. I know it’s hard, but you are still there for me, for us. God, it’s corny, but you are my rock, you know, my lighthouse. You guide the way. I will get better for you, Sam. For you and the baby.”

His eyes moved from hers to her stomach. A little pang of fear gripped his insides. It was the first time he mentioned the baby directly to Samantha.

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