Looking into the empty glass, Lynn Sr. breathed a heavy sigh. Undescribable emotions welled up inside him as he sat in the bar. He was already on his third pint in the span of five minutes, and he still wanted more.

He lifted his head and looked around the bar. Headache-inducing music blared in his ears as he scanned the room. It was extremely crowded, which only made his heart hurt more.

His house used to be crowded too, with all the kids running around the living room, arguing about who knows what and getting into fights over the TV remote. Remembering those times almost put a smile on his face.

Almost.

Now, he was lucky if he even saw one of the kids leave their room, either to eat dinner or use the bathroom. And now, with most of the pets gone and the kids all isolated in their own rooms, he had to listen to the sound of the deafening silence when he sat in the living room.

He could tell he was becoming a bad father. He took a sip of his new beer as he thought about all the times he ruined the relationship with his family. Luna, Lucy, hell, even Lynn. But the one that hurt most all of was Lincoln.

With Lincoln being the only boy in the family, he had a strong bond with his father. He looked up to his father, saw him as a role model. Now, he was a shell of his former self. Every time he looked at Lincoln's face and saw nothing but resentment, he just wanted to break down. But he couldn't. Even in times like this he had to be strong for his family. Or what was left of it, anyways.

Speaking of family, he had to get home to them soon. He had Lori watching them while he was out. Bless her heart, she was one of the only ones that still cared about her father. The others seemed to turn on him as if it was his fault all of this happened. But it wasn't!

God, how long had it been since she left? It might've been a short while but it felt like days. Weeks. Years.

He missed Rita. He really did. Their marriage had stood the test of time. Sure, it had been a little rocky here and there, but damnit, he loved her too much and didn't even care. And now, she was gone. And so was his motivation to do... pretty much anything.

He barely went out, only to get groceries and to the local bar. He barely talked to the neighbors. (not that Mr. Grouse wanted to talk much anyways) All he did was sit at home, attempt to make conversation with the kids, (which never ended well) and sulk about the loss of Rita and Lily.

He would probably never see Lily grow up. And it hurt him. Hurt him real bad. So bad that he gripped his now empty glass in his hand.

"Hey, buddy. You doin' alright?" The bartender asked, raising his brow.

Lynn ignored him, and instead focused on the emotional pain he felt. Never again would he hear Lily's babbles and coos when she saw her father's face. Never would he see her beaming face as she hugged her teddy. Tears welled up in his eyes. Lily wouldn't grow up with him. Lily wouldn't grow up with her father. Unless...

Rita married another man.

The thought made Lynn startle. In a fit of sudden anger he threw his glass down to the floor, shards of glass flew as the bartender shouted "Hey!"

Everything went quiet, and all eyes were on the father, who was now breathing heavily, his shoulders heaved as he tried to collect himself.

"Get out!" The bartender yelled, shooing Lynn out the door. "You've had one too many! Go home, man."

He lifted Lynn up by the shirt and started carrying him towards the exit, throwing him outside and shutting the door.

Now, he just sat there on the ground, remnants of his previous emotional outburst still lingering. He put his hands up to his face and wept. Until he felt a buzzing coming from his pocket.

Realizing it was his phone, He pulled it out of his pocket and realized someone was calling him. His eyes adjusted to the sudden bright light of his screen as he tried to read the caller ID. His heart skipped a beat as soon as he read it.

Rita is calling.

So many emotions went through his head. Confusion, happiness, anger, relief. His hands clambered to hit a button as his phone continued to buzz.

Pausing, he breathed in and held it, and hit answer.