And at last he opens his eyes...
Growing Up With Roger
Year 10
Kids grow fast.
Roger couldn't help but wonder as he stood at the foot of Ace's bed, when his son got so big. The room was dark and silent and Roger had no idea whether it was late or early when he woke and decided to get another beer. He'd walked past his son's bedroom and caught a glimpse of the sleeping boy sprawled across the bed in pyjamas that looked too small for him. It got him thinking. When was the last time he bought Ace new pyjamas – new clothes? When was the last time he cooked Ace dinner? Took him out? ...hugged him?
Tears stung the back of Roger's eyes as the thoughts and questions raced through his mind. His son, his beautiful baby boy. When had they stopped loving each other? If Rouge could see him now... he'd get his ass kicked for sure. He licked his lips as the familiar burn in his stomach and dryness in his mouth urged him to seek out the six-pack of beer he knew was in the fridge. The moustached man didn't move though, body numbed by the throbbing ache in his heart and soul as he realised how far he'd fallen – how much he'd let Ace down.
No more.
The aluminium can in Roger's hand crunched loudly in the silent house as Roger crushed it. Ace slept on peacefully, blissfully unaware or his father's turmoil. Roger quietly closed his for over and set about cleaning the house. No more would he disappoint his son... his wife wherever she may be.
No more.
