This week's prompt was given to us by "Different Child".
She introduced us to the "Spoon-theory" and asked us to use it somehow in the prompt.
The spoon-theory is a metaphor for the limited energy people with certain sicknesses can have. Each activity during the day, costs a spoon - when there's no more spoons left, there's no more energy. So the spoons have to be used wisely.
I have chosen a different angle for this one, because my focus is on the relatives, instead of the sick person. To be close to someone who is forced to live a "spoon-life" is a huge responsibility, and it is far from easy.
So, here you go :-)
Spoons
Kurt picked up his buzzing phone, as he walked across the parking lot on his way home from school.
"Hi dad," he said cheerful and opened the door to the car. He struggled to get seated balancing his bag and the phone pressed to his ear, at the same time.
"Hi Kurt, where are you right now?" His dad asked.
Kurt put the key in the ignition and started the car. "I'm on my way home. Do you need me to get you something?" Kurt appreciated finally doing something for his dad instead of waiting for him to open his eyes at the hospital.
"No - It's not that," his dad replied hesitant, "I just … need you to come and pick me up, that's all."
"Pick you up?!" Kurt yelled and stopped the car again. "Dad, tell me that you're at home, sitting on the couch, resting like you're supposed to!" Kurt knew his tone was too edgy, but right now he didn't care.
"I'm not proud of this Kurt, but I'm in the park."
"I can't believe you! What are you doing in the park?"
"I needed the fresh air," Burt said and tried to sound innocent, "and I needed a view that wasn't limited to the wallpaper and the TV for once; but now I'm too tired to walk home again."
"Burt Hummel," Kurt sighed, and rolled his eyes, even though his dad couldn't see it, "are you trying to have another heart attack, because you will, if you don't start listening to the doctors."
"I know, I know, and I am sorry Kurt. So … will you come and get me?"
"Of course dad, don't move." Kurt answered more calmly.
He drove as fast as he could all wrapped up in worries and reliefs at the same time. How was he supposed to let all the anxiety go? The fear of losing his dad followed him as a shadow every day, but he had to let it go eventually; this was too hard. For once a part of him appreciated, that Carol was in his dad's life as well. He needed to share the burden of looking out for him with someone else.
When he reached the park, the fear sneaked up on him again. What if his dad was lying somewhere, because he had strained himself too much?
Kurt hurried out of the car and looked anxiously around.
Sitting on a bench, on the most beautiful place in park, he spotted a man with a cap and a very recognizable shirt, facing the sun with his eyes closed looking peaceful and happy.
Kurt smiled, and all the anger and fear left him immediately. He was truly touched by the sight, as he walked slowly towards his dad and sat down next to him.
They sat there silent for a while just enjoying the beauty of it all.
"I'm sorry Kurt; I didn't mean to upset you," Burt said.
"I do get it dad, I just worry."
Burt nodded. "I know, but what would you do, if you were supposed to sleep or sit at the couch all day?"
Kurt took a deep breath. "I … would probably have sneaked off to the park, and then have called my dad, when I realized, I was too tired to walk home." Kurt couldn't help smiling.
"And I would have come and picked you up." Burt replied.
"I know dad." Kurt said, "You just have to remember, that you only have so many spoons for one day."
Burt chuckled, "What are you suddenly talking about spoons for?"
Kurt couldn't help laugh either, "It's just a theory I read about."
"A spoon theory?" Burt asked clearly still amused.
"Don't tease me." Kurt punched his dad's shoulder and smiled, "It is called the spoon theory, and I can give you the details later, when you're more serious." Kurt looked at his dad. "I just want you to use your energy wisely, because it's limited right now, and it could be for a long time."
"I am trying Kurt; it's just not that easy." Burt confessed.
"I know." Kurt got up and helped his dad up as well. They slowly walked back to the car.
"So, what am I allowed to do for the rest of the day?" Burt asked politely.
"You … have … permission to sit on the couch and watch Deadliest Catch."
"That might work."
"Hey, I'll even watch it with you."
"You would really do that for me?" Burt asked happy.
"Yes, but just one episode." Kurt said and raised a brow looking firmly at his dad.
"But there's a marathon, you could easily catch up."
"One episode dad."
"Okay," Burt chuckled, "I'll behave, I promise."
I don't own anything Glee related - all I have is my buzzing imagination!
