Loss of a Father

Chapter 2- Truth

There had always been a part of Fredrick that had always wanted to know his mother and hear about her but the other part of him didn't want to know anything sadly the curious part of his mind was more prominent than the less curious side. 

He knew that he probably shouldn't mention what he was thinking at that moment, but curiosity of knowing who his mother was kept getting to him too much until the only thought he could comprehend in his mind was 'who is she?'

He waited hoping that his father would mention his mother at some point throughout the years but he never did, so the young man thought that he'd take things into his own hands and ask.

Any day would have been fine but why not today of all days?
Thinking over things Fredrick eventually got his words out.

"What was my mother like? Why have I never met her? Is she still alive? Sorry to mention her. I tried to prevent myself from asking all throughout the years, but unfortunately I couldn't hold it any longer." Fredrick said inquisitively he then waited for his father's remarks.

Fredrick's father wasn't overly pleased that the subject suddenly gravitated towards his late wife who left him due to adultery. No matter how much he wanted to avoid the delicate subject, he knew one day when his son felt ready he would ask questions.

And with a heavy heart and a saddened aura he knew today was the day. He started from the beginning telling his son everything making sure that he didn't leave a single piece of detail out of the picture.

It saddened Fredrick to his core knowing that his mother intentionally hurt his own father like that, especially with his own uncle. He found it strange to comprehend but now he understood why his father never once mentioned his mother, it was because the very thought of the woman pained him more than he could say.

Once the news was out in the open his father turned around to glance at his only son for a second, trying his best to muster a wide smile but unfortunately the smile wasn't one of his dad's usual genuine ones, it was a really heartbroken and sorrowful one.

Christopher felt his lip tremble slightly even though it had been years since she'd left, talking about Sylvia always brought a rainstorm overhead and an overwhelming sadness that never seemed to go away, it was as though he was fighting a disease that had no cure.
Alas it was no disease he had severe chronic depression/ PTSD and trust issues ever since she'd left which explained why he would always feel terrible whenever speaking of her.

Noticing that his father was nearly about to cry he held his father's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, the young man gave his father a warm smile to help try to ease him and make him feel somewhat better which thankfully did the trick.

"Dad. I'm sorry about bringing the subject of mum up at all, but at least I know why you would hardly speak about her and I don't blame you. It's not your fault she left she made her choice as much as it pains me to say this, but she made her bed all those years ago when she left us both.
I appreciate you for always being an outstanding father I couldn't ask for a better one. And if one day I do find the right woman I would love for you to be my best man because dad you're not just a father to me in my eyes I see you as my rock, my father and my best friend.

Hearing those words from his son warmed his aged heart more than he could say.

He sheeded a single tear of happiness but quickly wiped the fallen tear with his checkered handkerchief making sure no residue was left over.
He gave his son a grateful smile without saying Fredrick knew that in that single moment of time his father was none verbally saying thank you.

The young man was pretty good at reading none-verbal communication ques.

Unsure what else he could do for his father he just simply nodded, a few moments passed by then the young man arose from the area he had been seated his father curiously asked him if he would be returning to work that
day.

But he wasn't even though he had to somehow still make another 75 before bed that same day. He mentioned to his father that as they were slowly starting to run out of food he was planning on heading to the local market, his father agreed with the idea and told him to be careful and that he would see him soon.

Just as Fredrick was about to leave their house he quickly gave his father a huge hug which said so many words. After the very loving hug Fredrick was just stepping outside the threshold heading towards the market.

On his way out the young man was waving slightly to his father and spoke up saying "I love you dad I'll see you soon try not to stress or think about mum I promise I wony be long"
Fredrick said to his father reassuringly.

His father told him that he trusted his word and that he loved him too.

Little did he know know that would be the last time he would see his father alive.

After they both finished talking the young man made sure to close and lock the front door for safety reasons.