Demented Dan woke up feeling terrible (as usual). His actions were unreasonable all morning: he got out of bed (and threw his sheets on the floor), he didn’t brush his teeth (so his breath smelled dreadful), and he refused to eat his favorite breakfast (pancakes). His mom Jane asked, “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you eating?” Demented Dan replied, “I hate your cooking! I want dad’s.” His mom was devastated. The pancakes were smoldering, so she turned off the heat and threw them into the trash.

Dan was walking to school. He saw his dad for the first time in nine years. He watched him, looking groggy. His father seemed rigid. Dan thought to himself, “Why stare ludicrously? Go up and confront him for leaving you when you were seven!” 

Dan went up to his dad and asked, “Do you know a woman named Jane Smith?” 

His dad replied, “Yes, why?” 

“I am her son,” Dan said. 

His dad’s eyes widened like he had seen a ghost. Dan was surprised too; he thought that his father would be excited to see his son. He was also surprised by his pronunciation, which was very Southern. Dan had more questions but had to get to school. If he was late again, he would get suspended.

Dan didn’t pay attention in class. All he could think about was his dad and if he should tell his mom. He thought about the pros and cons.

Pros: She might know why my dad is here, she might be happy, and she might tell me why he left. 

Cons: She might have no idea that he is here or why, she might be mad, and she might tell me why he left (or lie). 

When school ended, Dan saw his dad at the door. 

“I need you to take me to your mother,” his father said. 

Dan walked his dad home, where his mom was watching TV and drinking tea.

When Jane saw Dan’s dad, she looked confused, partially mad, and kind of happy. She was happy that he was okay but furious about his abandoning them. They talked over dinner. Jane made them their favorite foods. They talked about how Dan was doing at school, then about where Dan’s dad was living, how he was doing, and what he did for a job. When they talked about why Dan’s dad left, they told Dan the truth this time. 

Jane started, “Do you remember how old you were when your dad left?” 

“I was seven. When I got home, I asked where dad was. You told me that he went to the grocery store and that he would get back soon, but he didn’t, and he never did until now. I was feeling distraught and sad; I felt like it was my fault. It felt like you didn’t want me or like me.” 

Dan’s dad said, “Okay now, son, I will tell you the real reason why I left. I caught your mom out with another man. I couldn’t bear the pain, so I chose to leave.” 

Dan yelled at his mom, “HOW COULD YOU DO THIS? YOU MADE ME GROW UP WITHOUT A FATHER! YOU COULDN’T EVEN CALL HIM OR TELL ME!” 

“I was going to, but I knew that you would hate me, so I kept it a secret,” she said, shaking. 

“I hate you! You ruined my life!” Dan screamed. Crying, he stomped to his room and stayed there all night. 

He thought there might be a reason why she did those terrible things. Maybe Dad had done something to her. But he couldn’t ask. That morning, he saw his dad downstairs again. Dan said, “Dad, I thought about it. I would like you to be back in my life and live here with us, unless you want to run away again?” 

His dad replied, “I would love that, but I need permission from your mom.” 

“Fine, get your bags. There is an extra room for you down the left of the hall,” Dan’s mom answered. 

“YAY!” cheered Dad and Dan together. 

Dan’s dad got his stuff and moved in. They lived a good life together with some bumps in the road, but they worked it out. Dan’s parents got married. They lived the life that Dan had dreamed forever. He finally got it. 

The End