XXII
"Call when you get there, sweetheart," Sid's mom said as she gave her son a hug.
"I will, Mom," Sid patted her back.
"And give me a call if you need anything at all, or if you just want to talk, or if you want us to come and visit,"
"I will, Mom, don't worry," Sid broke away and gave her a smile.
He turned away from his mom to his dad, who was standing near the door with his hands in his pockets. Sid walked over to him and put his hand on his father's shoulder, giving him a small smile.
"Thanks for giving me a job and everything, Dad. I really appreciate it," Sid said.
His father nodded curtly, then gave Sid a one-armed hug which Sid returned. He still wasn't quite sure what to think of his father, and man who was just as complicated as himself. It was a hard pill for Sid to swallow, knowing that his parents were just as flawed and human as he was. He had always imagined that they could at least put away their issues for him, but his father had never had bothered to do that, wearing his disease on his sleeve.
"I know I've never been there for you, Sid, but I guess I just want to say that I'm proud of you," his father said gruffly.
"Thanks Dad," Sid said, pursing his lips but hugging his dad again.
