The Hero Within Us

One Shot

"Jake, please give me some water" my father's weary voice coming from the living room said

"Wait a minute, dad" I responded

Actually, I don't like being told what to do just like any 16 year old would think. But, I have to do it for my father who is diagnosed with lung cancer. He used to hate smoking but when mom and dad separated, he started smoking non-stop. I don't know why they separated and I didn't want to know either. And because my mom and dad separated, I haven't been doing my best in school lately. I used to be in the top 5 but now, it seems I am not even in the top 10. My dad got really frustrated when he found out I wasn't in the top 10 anymore. It's because he always wanted me to become a doctor. But, it's too much of a hassle. I don't want to become a boring old doctor.

Right now, my dad is addicted to smoking and I think the smoking is also caused by stress. He is also a well known and respected business man. The people in the company call him, Mr. Williams (our surname). And right now, he's getting really nervous for this really big upcoming project. And as the smokers say, "Smoking can relieve stress."

I don't believe in those kind of things. You just need self-control. I came down stairs and went in the kitchen. Prepared the things my dad wanted, his glass of water, our cell phones, a pitcher (if ever he finishes his glass of water), and a lot more things.. As I made sure all the things were there, I placed everything on my arms.

"Jake! Hurry up!" my dad shouted from the living room

I was still making sure that if I hold them all at once that the things that I'm bringing won't fall. As I made sure that all of the things I brought won't fall, I arrived in the living room. And saw my dad sitting on his big comfy chair.

"What took you so long?" he said in a bit of a hurry. He blew smoke out from his mouth once again. The smell of smoke makes me noxious. I know I might sound like I'm over reacting, but it's the truth.

"I didn't want to take two trips from the kitchen to here." I said with a hint of sarcasm as I placed the things on the glass table near him. Actually, I have plans to be with my friends today. We were going to hang out at the arcade today. And, I'm running late.

"Thanks" he said while drinking his water.

"Oh yeah!" my dad said in a surprised tone. Like, remembering something.

"Can you get my medicines upstairs?" while staring blankly at the window beside him.

"Why didn't you tell me before I came down here?" I asked bitterly. I was tired of going upstairs and going down again. He does this every day. I was already late.

"I forgot." he said in monotone while he stared into space. As if thinking of something really important.

"Next t---" I stopped myself from talking. I didn't want to cause any commotion. I went upstairs for the SECOND time. I got his medicines and went down stairs again.

I came in the living room and saw my dad get another stick of cigarette. He got his lighter and he flicked it on.

"The doctor told you to just smoke 1 stick a week if you can't control it." I said while imitating the voice of the doctor.

"I won't smoke next week then." he said while putting the cigar in his mouth and puffing out another 'smoke ball' yea, that's what they're called.

"That's what you said last week. If you're going to keep this up, you're going die early." I said in a very frank manner.

"Shut up. You have no right to say those words to me. I'm your dad and you should let me do what I want." He said furiously.

There he goes again with that line. I got tired with him and his ways.