Searching For A Rainbow

SEVEN-Carson

"Come on, you lazy bastard," Will dragged Humphrey behind him through the park.

Hmmmph, Humphrey groaned, sitting down in protest.

"I don't think he wants to move," I spoke up. Will chuckled as I bent down and stroked the dog's head.

"Is mean old Will trying to boss you around?" Humphrey snorted and licked my face.

"Hey! I'm doing my best here! He's the one that doesn't want to compromise!" Will threw his hands up in mock exasperation. I stood up and dusted off my knees before walking towards him, Humphrey following close behind me.

I grabbed Will's hand that was holding the leash and looked him in the eyes, smirking, and maintaining eye contact while I slipped the leash from him and ran, Humphrey moving his stumpy legs as fast as he could to keep up with me.

"Really, Humphrey?!" Will yelled as he ran after us. "I gave you everything and this is how you repay me?!"

***

"You can just drop me off here," I told Will as he slowed his truck down.

"Is this your house?" he asked.

"Well, no, but-"

"Then why would I drop you off here? Where's your house?"

"We, uh, can't go there," I stammered.

"So you're not even going home? You're just gonna wander the streets?" he questioned me.

"No, I'm going home but you're not taking me there," I stated.

"Well why not?" he persisted.

"Just stop the car, Will, I'm getting out here," I said sternly, with slight panic in my voice.

He stopped the truck completely and I unbuckled myself.

"Uh, thanks," I muttered as I got out and shut the door behind me.

He didn't drive off until I had walked at least 20 feet.

By the time I got home, my father was passed out on the old couch in front of the TV, which was playing Dr. Phil at a low volume, and my mom, hearing me come in, emerged from the kitchen. In the dim hallway light I noticed how frail she looked. She was only 35, having been 18 when I was born, but she looked far older. Years of stress caused her face to be wrinkled and her once shiny blonde hair was now overgrown, thin, and sat limply on her shoulder. She pulled me into a warm embrace, no words needed (and no one wanted to wake the beast), stroking my hair.

When she finally let go I slipped past and into my room where I changed clothes and crawled into bed, then plugged in my headphones and closed my eyes.