The lost son ~John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer

47. Have you gone away already?

The two weeks came by really quickly. It was my last day at work before I'd go touring.

- Matt, are you sure you're gonna be fine?

I asked my boss once again.

- Yes, you already asked me a hundred times.

- I just needed to make sure. I don't want you to be in trouble because of me.

- Thanks to you my store is doing better than ever and I'll be forever grateful. I'll be missing you.

- Me too, man. I loved hanging out with you after work.

- Now you'll be having much more fun. Life on a tour must be great.

- It is not. That's the part I'm mostly worried about. You're playing for only an hour and for rest of the day you're stuck with yourself. I was never feeling great while touring. It gets overwhelming. I always had my dad next to me and now I'm gonna be alone. I used to do stupid shit. I did drugs, got really drunk, visited bars. And now I'm not in a mood for any of that. The divorce has really fucked me up. I'm trying not to show it, but inside I'm really hurt.

- Man, that's not good. Maybe you shouldn't go if you're not feeling well. It's not gonna end up good for you.

- I have to, I already agreed. And I can't do this to my dad.

- You should think about yourself first.

- That's the last thing I wanna think about. -I said and looked at the clock.- Matt, I'm afraid I have to go now.

- Have a nice time, buddy. Look after yourself. And don't forget to call me from time to time.

- Sure, I'll definitely keep in touch with you.

I said and walked out of the store. I was gonna miss it. Even though the idiots who were coming there were driving me nuts, I loved that place. Matt was definitely one of the best guys I've ever met.

*

I knocked on my old house's door and waited for an answer. I was carrying a bag full of sweets and toys.

- Hey, come in.

Lilly said, stepping back and letting me inside.

- Johnny, daddy's got something for you. Come here, baby.

I shouted.

He ran to the hall and hugged me.

- Hey, I bought you some candies and new cars, so you'll think about me sometimes.

I told my son.

- You can facetime me and I'll give the phone to John if you want.

Lilly said.

- Thanks, that's awesome. Daddy's gonna miss you a lot, Johnny. Be good to mommy and visit your grandpa and Hope as often as possible. We all love you. You're my everything.

I said and kissed him. I even shed a tear.

I was gonna leave the house when Lilly approached me.

- Take care of yourself. If you ever feel like you need someone to listen to you, call me.

She said.

- Yeah, sure. Bye, Lilly. Take care of our son. Make sure he has everyone he needs.

She nodded and kissed my cheek.

*

I ate dinner, packed my guitars into cases, pedals into a big box and I put my headphones, iPod and portable recorder into my backpack. Then I began packing my clothes. I folded my t-shirts and put them into a huge suitcase. Then I packed some hoodies, sweaters, sweatpants and underwear.