It's About Learning
"You learn how to be a father."
“Dad?”
“Hey, kid.”
“… how’s your arm?”
“It’s working. How’re you?”
“Bored.”
“Is that all?”
“Are you and George not going to be together anymore?”
“What made you think that?”
“He’s not here.”
“… I know. He’ll be here.”
“When?”
“Soon?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Josh.”
“Sorry.”
“’s okay. Gimme a hug.”
“Missed you.”
“Missed you, too. Thought about you.”
“Where is he now?”
“Who?”
“Him.”
“Oh. Locked up.”
“Like last time?”
“No. He’s not coming back this time.”
“I wish he was dead.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Why not?”
“Don’t wish anyone dead.”
“But - -”
“Wish him gone, or wish he didn’t exist, or wish he’d never come here. Don’t wish him dead.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want you to be like him.”
“I love you, dad.”
“I know. Love you, too.”
“I want to go away with you.”
“Not just yet. It’s your bedtime.”
“Daaad …”
“Mmm?”
“You did it again.”
“Did what?”
“I want to come - -”
“Your mom’s calling.”
“Okay.”
“Josh?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t be pissed with me.”
“’m not.”
“Good.”
“D’you miss George?”
“You’ve got no idea, kid.”
“Night, dad.”
“Night.”
*
"You learn how to be a son."
“You didn’t have to call, mom.”
“Didn’t have to? You could have been killed.”
“Not with George there.”
“George … is he there now?”
“No, mom.”
“Where is he?”
“Back there.”
“Oh my dear God, he isn’t - -”
“No! Christ no.”
“Don’t swear, Will.”
“Sorry.”
“No you’re not. Just like your father. Whatever will I do with the both of you?”
“The same thing you’ve been doing for years, swear to the cat about us.”
“My boy, Will, you’re my boy and you almost died.”
“I’m okay, mom.”
“No you’re not. Your heart’s sick.”
“… I can’t … mom …”
“Shush now. I’m going to come and see you.”
“Mom …”
“Shh, baby. It’s going to be alright.”
“Is it?”
“Yes. Your George is coming, isn’t he?”
“Yeah … after …”
“Good. Then I’ll get to meet him?”
“I think so.”
“I hope so. And he looks after you.”
“Yes, mom.”
“Go to bed, darling.”
“Yes, mom.”
“Good night.”
“Night.”
*
"And you learn how to let go."
“Will?”
“Molly, I’m going to bed.”
“Will, please.”
“Please what? I don’t want to listen to you tell me again how stupid I am.”
“I’d never - -”
“Yes you would.”
“Not now.”
“What’s changed now?”
“We’ve changed.”
“I … maybe.”
“Josh missed you.”
“I know.”
“Will …”
“Please don’t.”
“I just want to - -”
“What?”
“Touch you.”
“No.”
“Not like that.”
“It’s never been any way else.”
“Stop it.”
“I can’t.”
“When did you get so - -”
“Why is it always me?”
“I love you.”
“No you don’t. You love the idea of me.”
“There’s no argument for that.”
“So let it go.”
“I can’t.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because you’re crying.”
“Molly …”
“Would a cuddle hurt you?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because it wouldn’t be him.”
“And nothing else is good enough?”
“No.”
“Good night, Will.”