Coddiwomple

by S.E. Harmon

“Dad,” I said hesitantly. He paused at the stairs, giving me an expectant look. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to go on your journey.” It took him a few seconds to gather himself enough to answer. “Oh, I did.” He blinked rapidly. I knew better than to mention his slightly watery eyes. “And it was better than I ever imagined it could be.” Now my eyes weren’t exactly dry. “Fuck,” he exclaimed. “Didn’t I tell you that was enough emotion? I ought to take you out by the woodshed.” “You’ve been threatening us with that for years and I haven’t seen it happen.” “How do you know?” he demanded. “You’re not even my oldest child. You used to have a brother named Phil. I took him out by the woodshed and well….” I chuckled, feeling bad for poor, dead, imaginary Phil. “Goodnight, Dad.”