Everything You Are

by Kerry Anne King

His first, his very first, reaction is hope, because secretly he’s always waiting for the curse to be broken. Lilian will call, and all of the darkness of the last eleven years will be swept away. He’ll wake up to find himself home, with Lili and their kids and the cello, and she’ll have come to understand what music means and .

Music is the glue

Lilian is not going to forgive him. Ever. She already had religion in plenty, so it’s not that she’s suddenly found Jesus and is calling to share the love. Something must be wrong.

Allie doesn’t want to talk to him. Allie needs him. It’s the last one that gets him up off the floor, that empowers him to pour the brand-new bottle of Jack down the drain, the contents of the glass behind it, without taking a single taste. Allie needs me.

Which is only fair. Of course he can’t expect to just walk back into Allie’s life as if he never left her. He deserves all of the rage his daughter can aim in his direction. The only thing that matters is whether or not he can be of any help or comfort to her.

One thought holds him steady, keeps him moving toward the car. Allie needs me. And that’s the only thing that matters.