LIFE - BLOOD

Episode 17

Monday arrived sooner than expected. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the quiet house.

"You know it's no problem, I can drive you to school," Dax's father, George, said, his voice laced with concern.

Dax shook his head, struggling to slip his backpack over his shoulder. His casted hand made the simple task challenging.

"No, dad. It's okay... I'll take the bus," Dax insisted, his face set in determination.

George watched, his eyes welling up with tears, as his son wrestled with the backpack. A mix of pride and pain swirled within him.

"Want me to help you with that?" George asked, his voice cracking.

Dax looked up, his eyes sparkling with a reassuring smile. "No, I got it," he said, still struggling.

Finally, the backpack settled onto his shoulder. Dax raised his head and noticed the tears in his dad's eyes.

"Dad..." Dax's voice softened.

George hastily wiped away his tears, attempting to compose himself. "I'm sorry... it's just..."

Dax approached his father, his smile comforting. "It's okay, really... I am feeling fine. You don't have to worry."

The sound of honking outside signaled the arrival of the school bus. Dax swiftly kissed his father goodbye and rushed out the door.

As the bus pulled away, a car drove into the driveway. Nancy stepped out, her expression somber.

Inside, George stood by the washing machine, his hands moving mechanically.

"Was Dax in a cast?" Nancy asked, her voice cautious.

George continued doing the laundry, his silence palpable.

"What happened?" Nancy pressed on.

George turned, his eyes blazing with anger. "What happened? What happened is my son nearly lost his life... that's what happened!" His voice dripped with venom.

Nancy took a step back, her eyes wide. "I—"

George cut her off, his words pouring out in a torrent. "I leave with you for just a day, Nancy, a day! And I come back to meet my boy almost lifeless... beaten almost half to death."

Nancy's face paled. "I'm sorry, George. I got busy with some patients, and when I came back, he was gone."

George's voice dropped to a whisper, his rage simmering. "I was this close, Nancy," he said, holding his thumb and index finger an inch apart. "I was this close to losing my son..."

George's anger still simmered, his eyes blazing with resentment. Nancy stood frozen, her apology hanging in the air.

"I don't want to talk to you right now, Nancy," George said, his voice low and even.

Nancy's face fell, her eyes filling with tears. "George, please—"

George raised his hand, halting her words. "No, just leave."

Nancy's lips trembled. She turned and walked away, her footsteps quiet on the floor.

George watched her go, his chest heaving with emotion. The sound of the front door closing echoed through the silence.

He stood there, frozen, as the weight of his anger and worry for Dax threatened to consume him.

Finally, George took a deep breath and let his gaze drop to the laundry still spinning in the washing machine.