Steven thought he had forgotten the sting of disappointment. And what was worse? He wasn't quite sure how or why he felt so dejected. He was right to be mad at Connie, but for some odd reason...deep deep down in his subconscious, he paved an avenue that led towards the shining beacon of his guilt.
Why do I feel so guilty?
He asked himself.
He asked the ghost of Rose as he kicked his penny board down the street.
His thoughts coasted with at the horizon until he rolled up towards Greg's van. Per usual, the car wash was barren of people, aside from one car, but full of warm hope. It was like stepping into a bubble and discovering the sweet discourse chattering dreams – little whispery breaths of happiness despite the past.
"Dad," Steven called out. With less enthusiasm each and every day. He followed the music behind the wide open glass door. Stepping off his board. As the music swelled, so did the laughter of two voices. Greg was talking to someone who's voice was gone under the bridge of happy song.
"Dad!" Steven was now inside with his fists in his pocket. There stood Greg leaning over the counter sharing a secret or tip with Connie.
"Steven! Look who's back home!" Greg drummed his fingers along the counter with a bright smile.
Steven said nothing and Connie shrunk in size. Her eyes hiding under the fall of her bangs.
"Yep. I'm back definitely," She muttered.
"I knew that," Steven pointed.
"Thanks Mr. Universe. My dad should be pleased," Connie collected herself. Passing Steven and cutting through the song with the soft thuds of her sandals.
Steven and Greg stood in silence until she pulled out of the parking lot. The car windshield still wet, but swallowing the blinding sunlight. Connie sped off . The CD began to skip and Greg hurried to shut off the stereo.
"Soooo what was that about?"
"What was what about, Dad?"
"Something something...about forgiveness?" Greg vanished behind a row of boxes.
"Dad. Time changes things. You should know that better than anyone."
"People don't change. Their circumstances do."
"Well her circumstance has nothing to do with me."
Greg dropped one box down, revealing a smug grimace. His brow darkened with disappointment. A look that would forever reflect 'I raised you better than that'. Steven recoiled only a little.
"You know we miss out on a lot being bitter, Steven. I'm pretty sure there are some things I could've been better at. I've made a lot of decisions that I don't want to live with, but I'm not upset about it..." Greg exhaled and rubbed his stubby fingers along his pants.
"One day, if you decide to just be upset about it forever...one good day you're gonna look back and feel stupid for letting your pride get the best of you...Listen to your old man."
"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. "~ Paulo Coelho