“Lunch it is then.” I stand and let go of her hand. “I have to see Tank for a few minutes. It’ll be real quick.”

My heart starts pounding as soon as I say it, and I wonder what kind of mood he’s in. As for Dad’s absence, it’s a weird feeling that’s actually more liberating than troubling. I know this might sound horrible, but I sort of hope he doesn’t come back.

“Go ahead,” Mom says. “Your brother just called. He’s on his way. I have to get cleaned up. You still plan on going to practice tomorrow?”

“Guess so.” I shrug. “Why, you don’t want me to?”

“No,” she says. “It’s not that.” She studies my eyes for a moment and smiles. “I’m proud of you, Zach. Whatever happens, I want you to know that.”

“Proud of me for what?”

“For being you.”

“Thanks, I guess.” I look at the front door, then at her.

“How is Tank, anyway?” she asks. “I haven’t seen him in a while.”

“I’m not sure. Seems like he’s got a lot on his mind.”

“Boy, do I feel for that family. My situation’s nothing compared to what they’ve been through.”

“Tank’s strong. He’ll be fine.”

“And what about you?” she asks. “How are you doing?”

“I’m not sure, Mom. Right now, I’m really not sure.”

“Be careful, okay?”

“Always.”

I turn and walk out the door.

————

Big Dale and Sarah are eating breakfast—McDonald’s—at the kitchen table. Looking through the glass triangle, I watch the back of Sarah’s head sway back and forth as she talks. She has on a pink tank top that shows off her slender shoulders and delicate neck. Regardless of the argument we had, truth is I could watch her from this angle, or any other, for hours, but my business here this morning concerns Tank.

I knock on the door. Big Dale’s eyes shift up toward me. He nods as if he’s expecting me. Sarah gets up and walks to the door. She won’t look at me, but I swear she gets more beautiful every time I look at her.

She reaches for the handle and gives me a quick, neutral glance as she opens the door. Stepping out onto the porch, she closes the door behind her and screens her father in the process, a move that surprises me.

I say, “Sarah, look, the last thing I said came out wrong. I made it sound like you didn’t matter to me, but you know that’s not the case. I was mad at you for being mad at me and I just said it the wrong—”