"GOOD THINGS COME"
By
Andra Marie Mueller
DISCLAIMER: "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" is the legal property of Warner Bros. TV and Michael Slone.
Peter Caine stood on the balcony of his father's apartment, staring silently out at the city as the priest prepared them dinner. The young detective had spent the evening with the elder Caine, sharing dinner but little conversation with his parent. Walking out onto the balcony, Kwai Chang handed his son a cup of tea. For a moment, the two stood in companionable silence, looking out over Chinatown. Always sensitive to Peter's moods, Caine was the first to break the quiet by asking, "What troubles you, my son?"
"What makes you think something is troubling me?" Peter asked.
Caine merely raised one eyebrow in silent admonishment, and Peter answered himself. "Sorry. Stupid question."
"Do you wish to talk about it?"
"I'm not sure talking about it will help."
Peter took a sip of tea, his attention suddenly focused on the plant beside him.
"There is only one way to find out," came Caine's quiet response.
Peter glanced at his father, then fell silent a moment before speaking. "I've been doing a lot of thinking since Carolyn got married, about my life and the direction it's going, and I'm beginning to realize how much I'm missing by not having someone special in my life."
"You are still young, Peter," the priest replied. "There is still time for you to find your 'soul mate'."
"My age has nothing to do with it, Pop. The last thing I'm worried about is my proverbial biological clock."
"Then what are you worried about?"
"Spending the rest of my life alone."
"You will never be alone."
Caine's words were soft and imbued with meaning, and Peter flashed him a faint smile.
"I appreciate the thought, Pop, but that's not what I meant. I was referring to my fear of never marrying and having a family. With the role models I've had in you and Mother, and Paul and Annie, I've learned to honor and respect the commitment of marriage. Yet the closest I've ever come to my own wedding is Tyler, and our engagement was over before it ever really began."
"Perhaps you are afraid of marriage," Caine suggested. "For some, to commit yourself to one person for life is a frightening concept."
"When you met Mother, were you afraid of the feelings she evoked in you?" Peter asked.
"Yes, but I was more afraid of spending my life without her."
The detective sighed. "This isn't helping, Pop," he said ruefully.
The elder Caine echoed his son's sigh. "Peter, I cannot tell you how to find whatever it is you are looking for. Love finds everyone in different ways. Only you know what your heart is missing, and only you will know when you have found it."
"So you're telling me to be patient and eventually I'll find what – and who – I'm looking for."
"Yes. 'Good things come to those who wait'."
Peter considered the priest's advice for a moment before responding, "Patience isn't exactly my strong point, Pop."
"I know," Caine deadpanned in return, earning him a chuckle from his son.
END
