It was a warm sunny day in the city of Viridian. The sky had only a few clouds and the breeze was cool but not cold. It almost seemed like any ordinary day for young boy Ash. But today however, was his ninth birthday. He was excited because he got to celebrate his birthday with his dad this year.
Ash lived with his mom and was an only child. His parents had divorced when he was only five years old. He saw when his parents split up, but he was so young that he barely reacted. Some people would say that Ash handled the situation in a very maturely manner considering the age he was. But others think that he's still emotionally affected to this day.
His dad lived in a different city and Ash hardly ever saw him. His parents tried to explain to him what had happen but they never agreed on one single explanation.
Ash was looking forward to the arrival of his father. This would be the first time he sees his dad since he was seven years old. And because of that, he was feeling really nervous.
The moment finally came when Ash's dad pulled up in front of the house where Ash and his mom lived. "Look Mom, Dad's here!" Ash called out to his mom from his spot at the window
Ash's mother was in the kitchen baking a small birthday cake for her son when she heard the doorbell ring and foot steps racing to answer the door "Hello buddy, happy birthday." Ash's dad congratulated his son.
"Hey Dad, boy am I glad you made it." Ash said as he extended his arm to shake hands with his father.
Ash's father's expression went from being thrilled to disbelieve at Ash's action "What happened to my hugs?" He asked, sounding a little hurt.
Ash contemplated his response for a while but he hugged his dad nevertheless.
At the same time, Ash's mom came into the entryway of the house "Hello Jay." Ash's mom greeted her ex husband
"Hi Delia. It's been a while hasn't it?" Jay replied as he walked into the house
"Yeah. It has." Delia replied. Usually, Delia has a very cheery personality and she was always one to pick up someone else's mood, but for some reason. She just doesn't feel very lively at the moment.
Ash celebrated his birthday with just his parents because that's how his father wanted it to be. Just the three of them. The afternoon was spent eating cake and desserts, playing party games, and even telling stories about the past.
Ash's parents thought it would be more awkward than what it actually was. But much to their surprise, they actually enjoyed each other's company.
The same thing couldn't be said for Ash though. Sure, he enjoyed the presence of his father and enjoyed having his parents together once again. But for some reason he had this feeling he didn't know how to describe. To him, it just didn't feel right. His parents may have been at ease but he could tell that there was uncomfortable vibe the whole time.
Towards the end of the day. Ash's parents gave him his birthday presents. His dad went first and gave him new clothes and a new soccer ball. His mom gave him a new video game he took interest in and a back pack.
Ash liked all the presents his parents gave him but he was a little disappointed to say the least. He had told his mom what he wanted for the past few weeks but there was no sign of the present he seeked.
His mom, knowing what Ash wanted, was keeping a secret surprise. "Hey buddy, we have one more present for you and it's from your mom and I." Jay explained.
Ash's eyes widened at the revelation. "What is it Dad!?" He asked with hope glimmering in his eyes.
"It's a surprise, sweetheart." Delia told her son. "We have to go and pick it up." She said
"Really? Where?" Ash asked out of curiosity
"If we tell you, then it wouldn't be a surprise. Would it?" Jay said as he got up from his seat on the couch.
"Come on. Let's go pick up your present." Delia said as she got up as well
"Y-you mean we're all going?" Ash asked. He was shocked that both his parents were in the secret together. He sort of expected only one of his parents to take him to pick up this so called 'surprise' present.
"Yeah. Is there something wrong with that?" Jay asked his son who was looking a little hesitant.
"No. There's nothing wrong." Ash said as he put on a reassuring smile for his father
"Well, in any case. We should get going before it gets too late." Delia said as she grabbed her purse from the coat rack
Ash only nodded in response. They had taken Jay's car to their destination. The ride was not long but it was filled with chat and laughter between the two adults.
Ash wasn't used to that. He never saw his parents together, let alone talking like everything was fine in the world. Ash thought maybe he could pretend that it was normal and that his parents did get along just fine everyday.
Ash thought that anyone else who saw them might think that they're a happy couple and have a happy family and are enjoying life. But for some reason, Ash had this uneasy feeling of something not being right with all this. He feels that his parents are being forced to act this way just for him and he didn't like that. He wanted for his parents to get back together but he wanted them to be happy and not just forced to love each other when he knew they didn't.
As a matter of fact. He recalls a moment where his father did something that made his mother upset. It was back when he was four years old. His parents had recently gotten married but Jay was seeing someone else behind Delia's back. Ash at first didn't get it but he understood what was going on the moment they announce their divorcement.
Ash knew more of the story of what had happened but he didn't want to believe it. His father didn't seem like that kind of person but it was something that he undoubtedly felt guilty about. He knew that what had happened was beyond his control, his mother had explained that to him. But he still couldn't help but feel that it was his fault.
Even before his parents got married. He would always witness his parents fighting. There never was any physical violence but it was enough to attract attention from neighbors.
"Ash, We're here." Delia said. The mention of his name snapped him out of his trance. He looked up at the building they pulled up in front of.
They pulled up at a pet shop and automatically, Ash knew what exactly they were doing there "Oh wow! You guys are getting me a dog?!" He asked in disbelieve
"Yes. We bought a dog ahead of time and we decided to bring you to pick it up." Jay said as they walked into the shop.
The lady at the cashier talked with Ash's parents about the dog they purchased while he was looking at the different pets around the shop.
"Ash, sweetie. Look what we got you." Delia said as she lowered the small puppy she was carrying in her arms.
Ash picked up the dog his mother had set down and looked at it with an astonished expression "Wow! Its the cutest dog I've ever seen."
The cashier walked up to Ash "It's a golden retriever. It's a male." She informed Ash.
"A golden retriever." He repeated. He turned to his parents and gave them a grateful smile "Thanks Mom, thanks Dad. It's the best present ever."
His mom smiled back at him while his dad ruffled his hair. "No problem kiddo. Just promise you'll take good care of it. Okay?"
Ash's only response was a quick nod.
Ash and his parents went back home and they hung out for another while longer this time with their new dog. "Hey kiddo. What are you going to name your dog?" Jay asked as he picked the dog up from the couch
"Well, I don't know, I haven't given it much thought." Ash replied
"How about a name that best describes his personality?" Delia suggested.
"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." Jay agreed.
Ash sat there on the couch and thought of a name for his new dog. "Kilo" he said suddenly.
"Kilo?" Ash's parents asked in unison.
"Yeah, I thought about the perfect name way before I actually asked for a dog." Ash explained.
"I like that name for him." Delia said with a smile.
"It's your choice." Jay said with a neutral tone.
Jay looked at the time on the clock that was hanging on the wall above the window and at the same time Kilo yawned indicating that it was getting late. "Looks like Kilo is getting tired. You should be going to bed too Ash. It's almost midnight." He said.
"But I'm not tired!" Ash complained.
"It doesn't matter young man. It's your bedtime." Delia said in her motherly demanding voice.
"Alright, Alright," Ash said as he put up his hands as a sign of surrender. He turned to his father and looked at him in the eyes "Will you be leaving soon?" He asked.
Jay sighed and pulled Ash in for a hug. "Yeah. I'll be leaving soon. I just need to talk to your mother in private and I'll be on my way." He said as he made eye contact with Delia.
Delia was taken aback by Jay's intentions of talking to her in private but she decided to best wait until Ash was upstairs in his room "Okay, well, G'night Dad. Thanks for coming for my birthday and thanks for the presents." Ash said as he walked up the stairs.
Ash picked up his new friend Kilo and headed for his room. He was feeling tired from the days events, so he laid Kilo on the small pillow beside his bed and went to sleep rather quickly.
It wasn't more than half an hour since he fell asleep when he was awaken by the urge to use the bathroom. He got up and headed for the bathroom and heard his parents talking. He didn't think much of it so he went to take care of his business.
It was on his trip back, that's when he actually heard what his parents were saying "I can't believe you did that to her" Delia said.
"Don't even try to change the topic. Stop trying to play the innocent one." Jay replied in a harsh manner.
"Jayson! Are you even listening to a single word you're saying!" Delia said exasperatedly.
"Why is it every time I try to talk to you civilly, you always have to bring this up." Jay said as he was trying to calm down.
Ash was listening to the conversation but he had no idea what they were talking about. He was thinking of going to see what they were talking about but the sound of his mother crying stopped him. "You hypocrite!" Delia said in a loud voice.
Jay was silent for a minute and was watching Delia cry. "I'm not-" Jay started but was cut off by Delia
Ash tried to get a better view of the living room but no one was there. He leaned over the rail slightly to catch a glimpse of the kitchen and sure enough his mom was sitting at the table while his dad stood opposite of his mother
"I can't believe I ever fell in love with you." Delia said in between sobs. "Leave my house Jayson. We are through talking here." She said
Jay just stood there not budging but after a while he just sat down on the seat he was leaning on "I'm not done yet." he informed her.
"Well I don't care! I want you to leave!" Delia said.
"Will you just listen to me?!" Jay raised his voice a little.
"No! Why do you do this?! What do you get from hurting other people!" Delia said.
"I'm not hurting anyone!" Jay said as he suddenly stood up.
"Then what do you call what you did to me?" Delia said with tears coming from her eyes and her voice cracking
Jay just stared at her for a while when he finally just stood up strait and headed towards the front door. Retorting under his breath.
Ash didn't expect his father to walk towards the front door so he raced back towards the top of the stairs to avoid being spotted and from there he saw his father leave the house. Right after the sound of his car turning on and the engine revving was the only thing audible and after a few seconds the sound of tires screeching was followed by the sound of his mother breaking down in tears
Ash ran down towards his mother and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Delia was shocked that her son was next to her instead of being asleep like she assumed he was "Are you okay Mom?" Ash asked, feeling concerned for his mother.
Delia wiped her tears away "Yeah. I'm fine." She sniffled "What are you doing here? You should be asleep."
"I went to the bathroom and heard you guys arguing." Ash defended himself "What happened?" He asked.
"Nothing" Delia said as she continued to wipe her eyes dry.
Ash simply crossed his arms and frowned at his mother "That didn't sound like nothing."
Delia sighed in defeat. She knew how stubborn her son got. And whenever his mind was made up. There was no changing that.