What the - !? What’s this wagon wheel doing here? Why is there a wagon wheel in my hallway Sean?
Sean’s Life: A History in Objects had been emptied into the foyer that morning. Fay had hovered around the removalists, releasing almost audible gasps identifying when they got too close to her painted walls or antique umbrella stand.
Sean stays quiet. He wonders whether his father will just continue to navigate his way through or if he wants an actual discussion.
Sean!
He wants a discussion. Must have been a rough round of eighteen.
What is all this?
Les flays his hands around.
It’s my stuff.
Sean hears his reply bounce back to him off the wall. It sounded empty and ridiculous
Les narrows his eyes as Sean moves closer to him.
Why is your mouth blue?
Sean rolls his lips well into his mouth before answering.
Why do you guys have icy poles in the freezer?
You ate all of the icy poles?!
We were never allowed icy poles!
Les pulls it back. His tone is even.
Sean. Why is there a broken down oversized novelty wagon wheel in my foyer.
Fay chimes in. She has been waiting for Les to get home.
Yes Sean. Where will you put it?
I can put it in my room.
It’s no longer your room – it’s the guest room.
Well it can be my room now. I’m a guest.
No you’re a - our child.
Fay keeps her eyes down.
No I’m not. I’m an adult guest.
No you are our adult child who has returned home.
No. I’m an adult child who is now your guest.
The wagon wheel, Sean.
Les wants to change his shoes.
Everything will go when I move out.
Sean speaks quietly.
That’s what you said the first time.
Les stands his ground.
***
Sean lies on the bed that was never his in his new old, now the guest room, room.
He had cried in this room before. A long time ago.
But he didn’t feel comfortable to do so now.
Part 3 next newsletter. Tune in.
This is of course not to be taken as legal advice.