Family Matters

by Rohinton Mistry

He had underestimated his father’s stamina, his willingness to trade familial happiness for narrow beliefs

How time passed and changed things. For himself too, the years were slipping away – nothing but the interminable tedium of one pointless day after another … was this all his life was ever going to be? Forty-three, and what had he accomplished? Couldn’t even get to bloody Canada for a fresh start … and the children growing up so fast – what did he have to offer them? Nothing.

In fact, no matter where you go in the world, there is only one important story: of youth, and loss, and yearning for redemption. So we tell the same story, over and over. Just the details are different.”

“I told you my stomach hurts.” He could smell the scent of Cinthol soap on his father’s skin.

—and though you might not know it now, these are your happy days, your school days,” said Daddy, talking to both of them.” Before you know it, they’ll slip through your fingers. And when you’re older you’ll remember them with longing, you’ll yearn for them to return. But they won’t. So grab them now and enjoy them.”

Someone should tell him he was too young to slip into second childhood.