Rekindled Hearts

Hey

    Next soccer practice, Daniel was on a phone call with an employee about a sale while watching sam practice. He was on the phone until he heard a car honked as he turned around seeing johnny. He told the other person on the line that he'll call back as he walks to the car.

"Hey Johnny"

"Hey Larusso"

Daniel scoffed as he asks, "You're still gonna call me by my last name"

"I guess it became a habit"

They were talking until practice was over as the kids wanted to go play over at Daniel's. They ask until their dads were okay with it as they all head over to Daniel's home. The kids head over to the backyard to play more soccer as johnny observes the home.

Daniel looks in the refrigerator and asked if he wanted anything to eat or drink. Johnny declined as he made a comment about living in a fancy house.

"I try to give my kids a life that's different from mine"

"That's right. I remember you have one more kid"

"Yes, my son who's with his mom"

"I have robby and I'm good. I don't think I could do it if I had more kids"

"Oh come on! Don't doubt yourself like that as you're a good dad with robby"

      They stare at each other for a moment before they head outside to watch the kids play soccer. When it became late, robby and johnny said goodbye to the Larussos before heading home. Robby was tired and fell asleep in the backseat as johnny took notice. Daniel's words repeat in Johnny's head as he thinks he isn't doing too bad as a dad. Consider how he didn't have a good father figure to teach him or prepare him for fatherhood. If it was one thing he will do is to make sure robby doesn't suffer like he did. He won't suffer having a dad who was an asshole or a deadbeat.

They made it home and he softly wakes robby up. He takes out his keys and trying to look for the apartment key. His neighbor, Carmen walks by as she got off from a late shift.

"Hey Johnny, Hey Robby"

"Hey Carmen"

Robby waved at her, rubbing his eyes before johnny opened the door and they go inside as she did the same. Johnny asked robby if he wanted a snack before bed as robby wanted cereal.

They eat cereal at the small table as robby asks, "When is mom coming home? I miss her"

It was quiet as johnny doesn't want go on telling robby how his mom has an addiction.

"I'm not sure, little man but I'm sure she'll be back pretty soon"

Robby nodded before he takes his bowl to the sink and left to go brush his teeth. Johnny tucked him in bed and left the door a little open before heading to his room. He takes off his shoes and changed before landing on his bed with a sigh. Feeling like he could fall into a deep sleep as his eyes close.