Dreamland// P. Parker

25. Diagnosis

Tuesday, September 3, 2013.

"Uno!"  I declared as I placed my second to last card on the table.

Dad feigned shock at my announcement.

"You said that last time!" He exclaimed as he took a peek at my card.

"Nope! You can't look at it!" I said, holding it to my chest. Little did he know...it was a plus-four card.

There was something off about him. I didn't know what it was, but he looked...frail. He also hasn't been up late anymore. I haven't had chocolate milk with him for a while now. Maybe mom and dad were fighting? Or, maybe, he just needed some chocolate milk? Yeah! I'll make him some chocolate milk after I put my card down!

"Don't do it..." He whispered in a pleading tone. "I beg you! Don't put the card down!"

I smirked, looking over at him. He held his free hand out, indicating for me to stop. But no, I wasn't going to listen to him!

I slowly, but surely, placed my card on the stack. Dad groaned and scattered his cards on the table. "Dang it! You win...again."

"Yes!" I punched the air in victory. "I mean..." I reached down and patted his shoulder. "A for effort...?"

"A for effort, pumpkin," he said, holding his hand out for a fist bump. I shaped my hand with my palm facing towards him and touched his fist. As I did so, he held his thumb up.

"Turkey!" We exclaimed in unison, and both giggled.

"Daddy, you stay here real quick. I have to go to the kitchen! I'll be fast, promise!" I spoke and started skipping to the kitchen.

"I know you will, you little speed demon." I heard him mumble from the living room. I giggled, entering the kitchen.

'Operation Choccy Milk is a go!'

I padded to the fridge, opening it and grabbing the milk and chocolate syrup. I haphazardly placed them on the counter and walked over to the cabinet. As I was opening the cabinet door, I heard walking through the hall.

"Daddy? You better stay in the living room!" I yelled as I grabbed his favorite mug. He really is the number one dad in the world.

"Just using the bathroom, sweetheart. I'll be quick, don't worry."

"Good! Use the bathroom," I mumble, closing the cabinet door and bringing the mug over to the counter. I uncapped the milk jug and poured the milk into the coffee mug. Then I opened the chocolate syrup and made sure to drizzle more than enough into the cup. I grabbed a spoon from the drawer and began to stir the mixture until it turned dark brown.

Now, I had to clean up. That's the worst part. I made sure both of the caps were on the milk and syrup and put them back in the fridge. I placed the spoon in the sink and rinsed it with warm water. One I was finished cleaning up, I picked up the mug and made sure not to spill it as I headed into the living room.

When I entered the living room, Dad still hadn't returned. I looked around as I held the Number One Dad mug in my hand. I should put it down before I clumsily drop it. I placed on the coffee table next to the Uno cards.

"Dad, are you still in the bathroom?" I asked and ducked my head into the hall.

"Yes, but I'm done!" He said as he opened the door. He looked over at me sheepishly. But...his nose was plugged up with tissues. "Sorry, I had a little nose bleed. Nothing to worry about! Anyway, what were you making in the kitchen?" He walked passed me and into the living room.