Awaken

The Lost Teen and The Forgotten Elder - Part 2

"Wait, so you are the fabled new owner of Central Park, huh? No wonder," William muttered, "So why did you buy this old place, old timer when the mayor was going to demolish it and transform it into a new shopping district?"

"..." The old man, "Well, to be honest..."

Flashback...

Click. Thud.

"So, what's the diagnosis, Doc?" Steve asked, a bit nervous to hear the result as he sat up and glanced at his physician, who walked in with a grin on his face and a few folders in his hands as he wore a blue short-sleeved scrub top and pants.

"Relax, Steve there's no need to rush so how's life been for you recently?" Doctor James asked as he grabbed the nearby rolling chair and faced his patient and old friend while placing Steve's files on the examination table.

"Well, um... nothing really except for the recent acquisition of Central Park and the surrounding land, Doc. Which was annoying if I am being honest yet it was worth it as my wife always wanted to own a park. But now it will just serve as a reminder of Lisa's recent passing," Steve said softly with a smile as he sniffled at the mention of his wife.

"Aww, well that's nice to hear... but what about your kids have you talked to them since the funeral?" Doc asked as he moved closer to Steve in case he wanted a shoulder to lean on as he knew it must be hard for the old man to speak about it, "Hey, it's alright if you don't want to talk about it, Steve we could always have this conversation another time, pal."

"Thanks, James... but sigh, it isn't a secret that my kids could care less about their old man as I am but a figment of their imagination at this point in their lives," Steve uttered with a deep sigh as he knew deep down this was bound to happen eventually.

Considering he spent most of his life on the battlefield and rarely had the chance to return home and spend quality time with his wife and kids. So, while the funeral was an amazing time to bond with them, in the end, they were only there for their late mother.

Plus, it was not like he was particularly close to any of them, which is sad to admit, but after years of neglect and fear of being like his parents. Steve has grown to just let nature take its course...

Even though a part of him did question if he made the right choice by choosing his career over his family. Which allowed him to provide his kids with top-notch education and skills needed to thrive in the real world.

At the expense of missing countless birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, proms, and so much more that he will never get to experience with them in this life. Things that a usual father and mother cherishes with all his heart to the point, where they would even die to see it again... as you only get so many chances to be a part of something so monumental and life-changing.

Nevertheless, even if it was not worth it who are we to judge the man when no one knows how things will play out in the end...

"Well at least... sigh, hopefully, one day that will all change, Steve," James commented not sure how to continue the conversation, "Um, I know I'm probably the late person you want to hear this from, Steve but you did enough and I'm sure your kids and grandkids would love to meet and get to know the true you."

"Thanks for the kind words, James but I think it's about time we got down to business, so what's the diagnosis?"

"Sigh, um... Steve, you only have a month left! Sorry for the outburst, but the wear and tear sustained from all those years on the battlefield has finally caught up to you. So~"

Thud!

"S...S-Steve!!! STEVE!!!"