Not a Valentine

Chapter 17

Febraury 5

Is it okay to text you on a Saturday?

I woke up to that text on my phone. I had gone to the web on my phone and pulled up the Valentine website the other day, and it had asked me to turn the notification on. And so I did, and that was the message I woke up with this morning. On other days, I wake up with Quincy updating me on what crazy dream she had the night before, but this time she was sleeping beside me.

I roll over to my side of the bed after having gone to hers and hold my phone up straight in front of my face. Once I'm sure I'm seeing the message correctly, I respond back.

Why wouldn't it be, Ranger?

Because it's the weekend, we are not allowed to be on the website.

Ah, but this is okay. You just aren't able to send out a telegraph.

Okay

I guess I also wasn't sure if you would be up to texting me during the weekend.

Of course, I am.

What's up?

Nothing—well, maybe something.

Is it about the girl? (Am I not allowed to say the word girl teasingly in my head anymore?)

"It's not about the "girl," and no, you cannot say the word in that way anymore.

Bummer, it was fun while it lasted. Now tell me what's up.

My parents.
I woke up this morning with both of them gone.

Is that not normal?

No, they are both usually knocked dead on the ground and occasionally on their beds.

Do you know where they are?

I'm not sure. They don't have jobs, and they sure as hell didn't go out for breakfast this early.

Are you worried about them?

I know they are grown adults and can manage on their own, but yes, I'm worried about them.

Oh, I'm sorry.
Are you going to go look for them?

I'm not sure where to start. Maybe I'll just stay home and clean up while I wait.

Let me know if they come home.
And be careful, Ranger.

You don't have to worry about me, Ray.

I smile at the last text he sent me and then sigh out loud. His parents seemed so messy, and the fact that they had left to go nowhere without telling their son makes me a little sad. Why couldn't they cause a little less worry for their son? What made them neglect their son and then let him have all the responsibility?

The word I could use best for Ranger was parentification. He had to step up once his parents stopped making an effort. He had to take care of not only himself but also his parents. He says that he doesn't care much about him when he shares that he was going to leave this town and not come back, but he still cares about them. He did, and that was what made it harder for him.