15 for 15 Contest

Pals

He watched like a voyeur, sitting on the bench under a pine tree, his eyes transfixed on the pair. It wasn’t the way the orange pack hung over the dog, or the blue leash that drew his attention, nor was it the bright red jacket the boy wore, or the crutches that adorned each arm. What caught his eye today was the fact that he knew them. His heart clenched as if in a vice and tears sprung to his eyes.

Dragging in a ragged breath, Thomas tried to steady his emotions that ran out of control like a runaway freight train. Memories, all bittersweet flooded his mind, one after another. The doctor’s words, his ex-wife’s tears, his split second decision that inevitably cost him everything. He stood, ramming his hands into his pockets, determined to go and say hello. He had to see for himself that the boy was all right. He knew he shouldn’t, but the intense impulse to follow through, to see with his own eyes drove him forward.

Thomas crossed the street, still watching as the boy leaned down and accepted the kisses of his companion and friend. He stood before the pair, cleared his throat, and knelt down to be at eye level.

“Who have we here?” Thomas asked. He patted the golden head of the pup and smiled, meeting the familiar eyes he knew so well. Pain shot through his body throwing him off balance. Thomas recovered quickly and stood.

The boy looked up at him, awareness shining in the hazel eyes. “This is Thomas, Dad.”


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