Heartbreak Warfare :: Chapter Twenty One

"Sailor man!" Bo was dumbfounded at the sight of his grown son standing on his doorstep.

"Surprise!" Shawn smiled, crushing his father in a fierce hug.

"What? What brings you here?" Bo asked as he stepped aside to make room for Shawn to come in the house.

"Mom." Shawn replied in a serious tone, "She told me what happened to you. Where you've been. It's terrible dad. I'm really sorry you had to go through it."

Bo shrugged, "I'm just happy to be home."

"I can only imagine." Shawn smiled, "It's so good to see you."

They embraced again, this time in a mutual admiration for the other.

"You look good man," Bo laughed.

"Yeah?" Shawn laughed back, opening his arms and spinning around to show off his body, "I was thinking we could go for a run today. Or sprints? We should do sprints. In the park. Let's go."

Bo eyed his son, "Are you crazy?"

"Well. Yeah." Shawn shrugged, "But not any more than you are. We are related in case you forgot."

Bo chuckled, "I'm out of shape. You'll kick my ass."

"Ok, well the best way to get in shape is to get out of the house and do something." Shawn replied, "Besides, I've been able to kick your ass for a long time now."

"Yeah. Right," Bo smirked at his persuasive son, "Your mom put you up to this."

Shawn avoided his father's probing gaze, "Look dad. She's worried about you. You never leave the house. I've missed you. I'd love to hang out. I think it's a win/win situation here. It's a nice day. Let's go have some fun."

Bo nodded. He'd been reluctant to leave the house. In a effort to not disappoint his son, he changed his clothes and followed Shawn out the door. Shawn was right. The only way to get in shape was to get out and do something. Bo didn't want to be the man secluded in the pit. He wanted to be strong again.

He jogged beside his son with purpose in each step. The first mile wasn't as hard as he'd anticipated. His lungs screamed in protest as he quickened his pace.

"Hey!" Shawn called out, "What are you doing?"

Bo grinned, but didn't turn back to look at his son. The sun pierced the bright blue sky. It was a beautiful, unseasonably warm, late winter day. He could feel his heart pounding against his sternum with intention. He was sprinting. His quadriceps burned. Sweat beads formed around his hairline. His arms pumped alongside his torso, willing his legs to carry him faster.

When he was finally sure his body could take him no further, he skidded to a stop. He bent over, resting his hands on his knees, as he attempted to catch his breath. His chest rose and fell frantically as his body attempted to return to normal.

"Are you okay?" Shawn asked breathless when he caught up to Bo.

Bo laughed relentlessly. The muscles in his abdomen moaned at the constant contraction, but Bo couldn't get enough of the feeling. His body screamed life, not addiction. He felt free. He felt strong. He was alive and free and it was a beautiful day outside. He smiled at his son.

"Have you been doing sprints in the backyard?" Shawn questioned, "You're way faster than you should be."

"Haven't you learned by now that you should never underestimate your old man?" Bo asked, "I'm not ready for retirement just yet."

Shawn laughed, "Whatever you say…"

"What now?" Bo asked through ragged breaths.

"Want to get a root beer?" Shawn offered, "My treat."

"Root beer?" Bo scoffed, but was secretly flattered. It felt like the old days, "You keep that figure drinking root beer?"

"I'm on vacation!" Shawn defended, "Race you to the pub…"

Bo watched his son take off without hesitation. He smiled, but cursed under his breath as he took off after him. Adult Shawn could run a heck of a lot faster than young Shawn. Bo had his work cut out for him, but he was surprised to learn that he wouldn't have it any other way.