Stories related to fathers

My dad looks at me but there’s not the slightest hint of recognition in his eyes. He chats to me politely, as he would do with any stranger.

On his deathbed, a father that had abandoned me asked for stories of my childhood and his grandchildren. In my anger, I told him everything.

I don’t care what the papers say. I don’t care if he did it ten times over. He’s the only dad I have.

Before leaving for work, he caresses his newborn who suddenly holds his finger in a tiny hand. He’s touched & helpless. Meeting is postponed.

“Hi Papa,” she says. “I have your Father’s Day gift.” Sobbing, she spits a wet gob of phlegm against his headstone. “See you next year.”

He wasn’t supposed to take a five year old to the bar. “Damned cute!” Coins dropped to the floor for me to grab. I tattled when we got home.