“Out of nowhere the engine seized, right by milepost thirteen,” Ryan explained, making up the details as he went along without so much as a blink or a sideways glance. “Had to hitch a ride back into town. Thankfully, the garage hadn’t closed yet. One of the mechanics offered to drive out and give me a tow. They brought her back and diagnosed the problem—carburetor, I think they said it was? Anyhow, they stayed open and kindly replaced it for me. All fixed now.”

His father listened intently throughout, saying nothing except at the end when he pointed to the phone and confessed he was only moments away from dialing 911. “You were gone so long. What with this weather we’re having, I was beginning to fear the worst.”

“Sorry, I should’ve called. Anyway, come on, I’ll help you to bed. It’s late, and you know what the doctors say about you not getting enough sleep.”

“The doctors say lots of things,” his father grumbled as Ryan stood behind him and helped him to his feet.

“Yes, for good reason.”

“I suppose so.”

“You know so, Dad. Don’t you ever forget how far you’ve come. Now, come on, do as you’re told.”

Ryan slipped his arm around the crook of his father’s elbow and escorted him to his room, gently easing him down onto the bed.

“Don’t worry about me, Son. You need your rest too. I can manage.”

“I know you can, but how about you let me help you tonight?”

After removing his father’s slippers and lifting his legs up, Ryan pulled up the sheets, double-checked that the medical alarm cord was hanging within reach, then went to fetch a glass of water. When he returned, his father had rolled over to his side and was staring out the window. The view was pitch black but for a silver curtain of rain, visible whenever a crack of lightning lit up the night sky.

“Don’t you think it’s time?” his father whispered as Ryan drew the curtains shut, sealing the room off from the storm raging outside.

“Time for what, Dad?”

“Time to start thinking about what you’re doing with your life.”

Ryan turned and tossed him a curious glance. “I don’t understand.”

“You’ve got it all ahead of you. You should be out there chasing your dreams and kissing girls, all the things a young man should be doing.” His father paused and looked away, his head sinking low. “Sometimes I feel like this place is holding you back. Like I’m holding you back.”

“Dad, don’t be ridiculous—”

“I mean it. I don’t want you staying in Seabrook for the rest of your life, looking after me, working all the time, running yourself ragged. You do too much. This isn’t the life I wanted for you.”