2. And I try to make this kind and clear…
The summer air was always a welcomed feeling. The warmth of the sun and the combination of fresh cut grass and sun block just made anyone feel the freedom of summer.
Summer also meant that it was vacation and vacation is what he needed. Seeley remembers little about the night before and his whole body is sore and swollen. It was like his father knew he would be leaving for most of the summer and he wanted to make sure that he would not forget him.
It was a good thing Pops picked them up before Dad could 'say good-bye'. He was still passed out in the middle of the living room floor.
The safety and comfort Seeley felt in his grandfather's car was like no other feeling that he felt. He almost did not want to feel this good, because he knew the feeling would not last.
Jarred sleeps in the backseat as Seeley sits in the front. The windows were rolled down and the breeze and sun feels refreshing on his sore body.
"What do you want to do today Seeley?" His voice is quiet, but strong.
Seeley thinks for a moment and shrugs his shoulders. His tired brown eyes look into his grandfather's and he lets one tear slide down.
His grandfather grips the steering wheel and sighs. He pulls the car over and puts it into park. Seeley becomes frightened and clenches his little body. His head instinctively bows down and he holds his breath.
Seeley feels a hand on the back of his neck and he is terrified. His grandfather gently rubs it until he feels the boy relax. Seeley looks up and sees pain in someone else's eyes besides his own.
"Seeley, let me tell you something." He places his hand on his skinny bruised arm. "I know what you are dealing with, with your father. He should not do those things to you." He let out a sigh. "I know you want to love him Shrimp, and you should, but I need you to know something."
Seeley looked up and saw the love and trust he longed for from his father.
"What's that Pops?" It was the first thing Seeley had said since the night before.
"Your father, he is sick. He needs help."
"Should he go to the doctor?" Seeley turned and scooted closer to his grandfather.
"No son, the doctor cannot help him. Neither can I, or your mother, or your brother, or you." Pops pulled Seeley closer. "He can only help himself."
Seeley didn't really understand, but he nodded like he did. His grandfather pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek.
"I love you Shrimp. Love will get you through everything."
"I love you too, Pops."
This day, Seeley knew that he could trust his grandfather with anything. He knew that the days ahead were uncertain, but this love would help him through it.
For once, something seemed simple and clear.