The Recluse of Ocado Cove

Chapter 6

For over a week, Sally and I searched on my computer and in the yellow pages for the name of his dad.

Henry Fisher.

When he told me, it was the first time I heard of his last name. Our searches were unsuccessful, until we saw his exact name and face in an old daily newspaper. It was in the deceased section. The one showing recent deaths.

I'd still take Sally on bike rides, every now and then. He had become more and more depressed as time passed, probably from mourning the loss of his dad. He would cry almost everyday, and I would have to spend hours at night comforting him from horrible nightmares. I had stopped getting recurrent ones, but things weren't any easier for me. I would try my best to make his days a little more bearable, like he had done for me, unintentionally. Hopefully, it was working.

It was completely unexpected when the house phone rang, in the middle of the day. I was teaching painting techniques to Sally, outside on the patio tables. We both looked at each other as if we read the other's mind. I stood up, stepping back into the house and rushing to the phone. I saw Lisa climb up the stairs.

"Hello ?" I spoke into the apparel.

We all waited for an answer. Sally was now standing by me to hear the conversation, a little too close for my comfort. The excitement I was previously feeling was slowly replaced by despondence.

"Hello ?..." I repeated.

I was about to hang up the phone when I heard a slight noise on the other side. My heartbeat picked up.

"Who's there ?" I asked.

Sally was practically clutching at my shirtsleeve, leaning against my shoulder, breathing against my neck. I was too focused on the phone call to pay much attention to it.

"Lar... Larry..." The voice called, hoarse and low.

"Uh... Y– You know my name ?"

"I need your help..."

I was slowly growing paranoid. "Who are you ?"

"It's me, Jim..."

My eyes widened.

"Your dad."

I started freaking out at the words. "I don't believe you."

"Really ?" he chortled, "Remember the time you spilled raspberry jelly, all over your favorite sweater... and cried about it for days ?"

I froze, almost dropping the phone from my hands. "I... I actually do... How do you–"

"I told you, Lar."

I was silent for a second. Feeling overwhelmed by the tightening in my throat, the water blurring my vision.

"Dad..." I whispered, my voice breaking.

Sally clutched at my shirt even more, his other hand on my shoulder. I could smell soap on him; the same soap I used when I showered.

"Yes, son. It's me."

I exhaled deeply, cursing under my breath.
"Holy shit..."

"I really need your help now..." Jim said.

"Wha–... Are you in trouble ?"

"I–"

"Are you dying ?" I interrupted, the phone shaking in my hands. I felt Sally rubbing my shoulder slowly.

"Larry, please." my dad's voice became more stern. "I need you to listen to me."

I kept breathing deeply and nodded, even though he couldn't see me doing it. "Okay..."