It was almost halfway through September when Burt, as they had just finished eating supper, came and plopped down on the couch next to his son, waving a copy of The Lima News at him. "Do you read this?" he asked casually.
"No. Not really. I usually know most of what's in there," Kurt replied, giving his father a sideways look. "Why?"
"I think you should check the 'Help Wanted' section."
"Why? I already have a job, Dad, at the newspaper. Between you, the house, and pictures, I'm plenty busy."
"Just check it, kid."
Reluctantly, Kurt agreed, taking the paper and flipping it open toward the back where he knew the "Help Wanted" section was printed. It only took him a moment to find the section, another moment to have his eyes drawn to one particular ad, and a third moment for them to grow as wide as pancakes and look up at his father, his breath catching in his throat. "Dad!"
"I know. Isn't it perfect? When I read it this morning after you'd left to work on the Berry house, I almost called you because I wanted to tell you right away. I'm glad I waited, though. That look on your face was priceless."
Kurt chuckled softly. Then, his eyes became big again as he started to imagine all the possibilities an adventure like this could offer him. "Do you think I should do it?" he asked, gulping at the lump in his throat. "Maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea…"
"Are you crazy, kid? Of course, I think you should do it! It's an opportunity to do something you love with very little pressure. And who knows? Maybe it will get your creative juices flowing again, and you'll be able to put pen to paper again, just like I know you love to do." He didn't add, Just like you were born to do. Writing has always been in your blood. He didn't want there to be too much pressure.
"It says the application is online…" Kurt mused, reading the ad again.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Get your laptop and get busy filling it out!"
Kurt was about to open his mouth again to ask if his dad really thought this was something he could be good at, but Burt beat him to the punch.
"Don't you think I would have kept that to myself if I didn't think this was perfect for you? Don't doubt yourself, Kurt. You are amazing at all that kind of stuff, and you'd be perfect for the job. I believe in you, and I'm sure they will, too. If that's not enough to convince you, then consider applying as a favor to me and fill it out. Please. I love you, kid, and I wanna see you happy."
"I'll do it," Kurt said softly, getting up to grab his computer from his room. "Thanks, Dad. For showing me the ad and pushing me to do something you know I'll love. And, I love you, too."
"Anytime, kid. That's what dads are for."
Unable to wipe the grin off his face, Kurt made his way back to his bedroom and grabbed his laptop. "I wonder what it will be like to be back on that high school stage," he murmured, letting his mind run wild for a moment with possibilities. It was strange how, now matter how much he'd hated high school, the stage was one place that had brought him joy. He had a lot of fond memories there. "I never thought I'd be back. Let alone as the director."