kickthestickz ~ the habit of pursuing happiness

chapter eight

PJ was the definition of a slump. He hadn't changed his clothes in days, hadn't eaten, hadn't showered, hadn't even moved from his bed.

Everything reminded him of Chris. He couldn't play his favorite video games anymore, as all he could remember were the times they played them. He couldn't watch cartoons. He couldn't sleep on Chris' usual side of the bed.

He didn't know what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Going back to college didn't seem like a good idea anymore, drawing was something he had shared with Chris.

When there was a knock on the door, PJ couldn't even muster the strength to say 'go away' so he was quite surprised when the door unlocked and opened.

"Hey, Peej," His dad's voice drifted through the silent apartment. "You haven't been answering my phone calls in a few days, what's going on, kid?"

"Dad, I..." He hadn't used his voice in many days. It cracked and faltered pathetically. "I got fired." PJ felt tears well up in his eyes. He heard his dad take off his shoes, walk over to the bed, and lay down on it. PJ tried not to think about Chris doing the same thing.

"We've been through some tough times, son. We've been through poverty and a divorce and just growing up. But it's all apart of life, though it isn't easy or fair. You know we've always had each other, and that made things bearable." He put his hand on PJ's shoulder, which was covered by layers of blankets. "You're the most important thing in the world to me, and I'm so sorry you lost your job, but, PJ," His dad looked over at him while PJ was staring up at the ceiling. "Things happen for a reason. This could be the start of something wonderful, you just have to give it a chance. Forgive him." PJ looked over, surprised. "If you love him, you need to talk about it. I'm going to go and get us some food. I love you, son, but you reek. Take a shower, okay?"

"I'm not ready to talk to him," PJ said meekly.

"You don't have to yet, just take care of yourself first. I'll be back in a bit."

PJ dragged himself out of bed, letting his toes feel the cold wood floor before standing up. He took a cold shower and stared at himself in the mirror. He certainly looked less shit after the shower, and he felt a little better.

He put on cozy mismatched socks and made up the bed. He plugged in his dead phone, watching the screen light up. He even swept the floor and wiped down the bathroom counter and mirrors. To finish, he opened the window to let in the cold, fresh air.

PJ heard another knock on the door and let in his dad, who smiled at him. "Do you feel better already?" PJ nodded, eyeing the sandwiches his dad had in his hands.

They had lunch, and PJ told his dad what happened. He paid close attention to each word, nodding as the story went along.

Once he had finished, his dad and he had long since eaten their food, and PJ felt a lot better.

"Do you feel a little more ready?"

PJ nodded, thanked his dad, and hugged him goodbye.

"Hey, we've been through a lot, kid. We can get through some more."