The Last of the Modern Men

by Scaleface

On a dying world, an old man has selflessly raised two generations of his family to be inquisitive, positive, patient and kind. Finding his grandkids no longer need him, now that they have their own lives, Donald forges a restorative friendship with compassionate schoolteacher Miss Hanley.

5. Chapter 5

Dear Carrie,

Thank you for the brain exercise, I think it woke up cells that the rest of my body presumed had died long ago… I knew you'd be a reader. What are you reading at the moment? Is that a stupid question? I don't want a book report or anything, just give me it in a paragraph. That's about as much reading as I can do these days without getting distracted. I say 'these days' but really I mean the last forty years, since then I just haven't really let myself escape.

Though I will admit, I'm no stranger to the odd drink myself, but it isn't much fun without Coop here to join me. I guess I haven't drunk much since he left, I don't really want to encourage Tom to do it, he's still a kid, he's better off without. Yep, our place is party central.

Well, it seems without Murph and without Tom letting me work on the farm (I lie, he lets me cook and clean for him and his date) my life doesn't really lend itself to interesting reading, I apologise for such a dull letter. Especially when yours was so entertaining. Maybe I could try another riddle.

'Brothers and sisters I have none but this man's father is my father's son.

Who is he?'

Looks pretty simple doesn't it. But I still have to draw out a family tree every time I tell it. A memorable rhyme but not a memorable answer. If you guess right you get an A on your book report.

Donald.