The Edge of the Rain by Patrick Councilor
Mister Shackleford was standing in his front doorway of his house waiting when David pulled up into his driveway. He greeted David.
"Thanks for meeting with me sir." He shook his hand.
"Come on in son." He held the door for him.
"What's all this?" David asked.
"You don't recognize these. These are all of the vases from the flowers you sent her at the hospital and what's left of the flowers. She didn't want them at the hospital. Ya know that the carnations last longer than the roses."
David shook his head. "I didn't realize that."
"Have a seat boy. Well, that's because you're young. You've got generations of years ahead of you to be buying flowers. Can I get ya something to drink?"
David sat in the plush lazy-boy. "No sir, but thank you."
"You a Coke man or a Pepsi man?"
"Excuse me?"
"Stop being so polite boy, you're gonna get one or the other."
"Oh… Pepsi would be fine."
"Comin' right up." He disappeared into the kitchen and came back with two Pepsis. He handed David one. "You're alright in my book kid."
"I am?"
"Sure. For one thing, we don't buy Coke in this house." He took a drink of his soda.
David smiled. "How is she doing sir?"
"Stop being so polite. I appreciate it, but you can call me Jeb."
"If it's all to you sir, my parents raised me to treat those you respect with great respect."
"Suit yourself son." He took his seat. "Danielle, she's not doing so well. Doctor wanted to take the bandages off to check the wounds and let her see the damage, but she refused to let them do so. She can be stubborn like a mule. She'll be coming home tomorrow. Ya know, when she told me about you, I didn't like you very much."
"You didn't?"
"Nah, every father doesn't think any man is good for his daughter. It'll take you having one to understand."
David nodded.
"But she spoke really high of you and the way I seen ya at the hospital, I think you may be just what my daughter needs. She deserves somebody like you."
"Thank you sir. I appreciate that."
"I don't want you to give up on her son. Give her her space, but she'll need someone like you when reality bites her in the butt."
David nodded. "I plan to sir."
"How are you holdin' out?"
"Not well. I haven't been too concerned about me though."
"Unselfishness is a good trait to hold onto."
"Thank you. Will Danielle be staying with you for a while when she gets out of the hospital?"
"Sure, she will. We left her room like she's had it ever since she moved out."
"Well… I'd like to ask something of you."
"Oh, what's that?"
"Are you going to be home for a while?"
"No, going to go back to the hospital to see her. That's where the misses is."
"I'm asking you to trust me."
"Trust you? With what?"
"The keys to your house."
Mr. Shackleford cleared his throat. "What are you planning boy?"