Under Darkening Skies by Ray Kingfisher

Author:Ray Kingfisher [Kingfisher, Ray]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-01-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Toronto, 2011

Arnold’s doorbell went off. He glanced across at the wall clock and had to smile.

Five thirty.

Ever since the funeral, either Rebecca or Natasha had been over to see him every day. In fact, they came alternate days on their way home from work.

Yesterday it had been Natasha, so he shouted out a “Hi, Rebecca” even before he opened the door.

“That much of a giveaway, eh?” she said as she came in.

“Let’s just say the two of you could mix it up a little,” he replied. They embraced. He held her and was secretly annoyed at himself for wanting to hold her for longer. He kissed her on the forehead. “But thanks,” he said. “I appreciate it.”

A few minutes later a postwork cappuccino was in front of Rebecca. Arnold had a fruit juice.

“We’ll mix it up, Dad. I promise.”

“Good. I need some variety in life. Adds a little intrigue if I’m not sure who’s at the door. It’s the closest thing I get to excitement these days.”

Rebecca snickered, then said, “Say, how long exactly have you been retired now?”

Arnold had to pause to count back. There had been that horrible eight-month period when he’d tried to balance work with looking after his mother. All else was disregarded. Even his daughters could see that he’d started to lose weight, and they weren’t afraid to say it. So, he’d retired—on the face of it to do the shopping errands, to install wall handles and other aids around the house, to help out with her bills and paperwork—but as much as anything to spend more time with her, to keep her company.

“I’ll tell you,” Rebecca said. “Almost nine months.”

“I knew that.” He screwed his face up at her.

He also knew exactly what his daughter was getting at. He knew he’d been in a mood of sorts—solemn, somber, more pensive than usual. Even the most ignorant of daughters—which his definitely weren’t—wouldn’t have failed to notice.

“We know what’s going on, Dad. Since Grandma died, it’s been hard for you, like your reason to exist has been removed, like a void has suddenly appeared in your life overnight.”

“So, you’ve been reading books on bereavement; is that it, eh?”

She let her eyelids drift down and let out a long sigh.

“Or is it all online these days?”

“Da-ad. Please!”

“What?” He shrugged. “You think you know it all. I get that.”

“Have you thought about getting a job?”

“No.”

“Just a part-time one?”

“I don’t need the money or the hassle.”

“But you need something in your life.”

“I’m okay. Really.”

“What about meeting up with old coworkers?”

“I ran a business. I never had any. You know that.”

“Well, have you thought about dating?”

He laughed. “Jesus Christ, Rebecca. You do realize you’re talking to your father here? You haven’t forgotten that, eh?”

“Hey, come on, Dad. Eight years is plenty to get over a divorce.”

“Like you would know.”

“Okay, so perhaps not dating. But you have free time now you’re not looking after Grandma.”

“Oh, thanks for reminding me of that, Rebecca.”

“You know what I mean: you need to find something to do with that time.

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