“The days are getting shorter. And there was chill on the air last night. The cold will be here soon, sweet boy.”
“I know, Mom. I’m not ready for it. I’m not ready for the snow.”
Bishop and his mother walked gingerly around the park as the sunset fast approached.
“How are you enjoying your father being home?”
“Uh…you want the truth on that one, Mom?”
“Bishop, I always expect the truth from you.”
Skateboarders glided past them as Bishop felt his mother’s hand on his shoulder. “It’s been different since Nate died. But you already know that, Mom. I think some things aren’t fixable if people aren’t willing to at least try.”
“Bishop, your father has asked us repeatedly to come home. He is trying—”
“What if we are home? What if you and I are home and he knows that? He can continue asking knowing that he’s safe from us ever actually saying yes.”
“That’s an awful way to think, Bish. And you said you hate the snow.”
“You slept on the couch last night, Mom. And I never hated the snow until the day I saw it melting in my brother’s blood.”
“Bishop…”
“We belong here, Mom. My application was solid…I think I have a good shot at getting in.”
“You won’t know for so long.”
“So what? I don’t want to go back to South Africa to stay permanently. Neither do you and you know it. Let’s stay here, Mom. We’re a family. If Dad wants to be a part of that—”
“He is a part of that, Bishop.”
“Then he needs to realize that geographical location is a group decision and not his alone.”
The conversation fizzled as they continued walking. So many passing faces scrambling around them, Bishop was completely taken aback to see Tyson Ayers walking toward him with a cute girl on his arm.
Before he could divert his mother’s attention, she was smiling and tugging on his arm.
“Bishop, look! It’s Tyson Ayers.”
“Oh…yeah it is.” Bishop cautiously skimmed the area for Alex and was relieved to see no sign of her.
“Bishop!” Tyson grinned largely as he approached, offering him a handshake.
“Hey, Ty. What’s up, dude?”
“Hey, Mrs. Holloway. How are you?”
“Hello, sweet boy.”
“How are you guys? This is Becca by the way.”
The group stepped off the pavement to ensure they didn’t obstruct the flow of passersby.
“I’m really glad to see you…I um…I wanted to talk to you all.” Tyson appeared nervous as he smiled.
“Of course, Tyson. What is it you need to discuss, sweet boy?” Constance’s motherly demeanor seemed to calm the young man to some degree.
“I’m speaking in class at the end of the month about my transplant and um…it would really mean a lot if your family could be there.”
Bishop was instantly relieved that Tyson wasn’t wanting to talk about Alex.
“Oh! Tyson, that would mean to world to Bishop and me. And Bishop’s father is in town, I assure you he’ll attend as well.”
“Awesome. I’m not a good public speaker but having you all there would be great. And Bishop if you wanted we could hit up the field or something sometime.” The solemn look on Tyson’s face gave Bishop the impression that Tyson assumed he’d reject the offer to comingle. For this reason he did not.
“I’m not sure about the field but what are you doing tomorrow? I’m hitting the weights around six if you’re down to go with.”
“Totes dude. Text the address and I’ll meet you there.”
As everyone shook hands and walked away, Bishop felt guilty for not reaching out to Tyson sooner. It wasn’t his fault that things happened the way they did.
“Oh, Bishop…he looks so happy and full of life.”
“Yeah, Tyson’s a good kid.”
“I wish he would visit our home. I want to know him more.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Mom.”
“Oh but I do. If everything had happened in another manner…if we’d been introduced to young Tyson through Pam…I truly believe he would have become a lifelong family friend.”
“But we didn’t meet young Tyson through Pam…we met him through his sister. That changes everything.”
“Perhaps for you, Son. If Tyson Ayers ever decides he wants to pursue a relationship with his donor family then I am completely receptive regardless of how we were initially acquainted with one another. That’s just how it’s going to be.”
“Okay then. It’s gonna be a little difficult to develop this wholesome relationship with that dude if you’re in Cape Town.”
Bishop’s comment silenced his mother as they continued walking. Nearly twenty seconds later she looked to him.
“You really feel you are home? This is home, Son?”
“Yeah, I really do, Mom. But it won’t be if you leave me here alone. Please don’t go back to South Africa for good.”
“Okay.” She inhaled deeply through her nostrils, standing confidently erect. “If this is home then this is home. Maybe we’ll practice medicine together someday.”
“What? That would be awesome!”
“What does your heart say you will specialize in?”
The wind blew with it the scent of candied apples and popcorn. “We’re getting some fat-snacks, Mom.” He grabbed her arm and gently pulled her in the direction of the vendor truck.
“I was thinking sports medicine or family practice…but I don’t know. After I met Tyson I started looking into pulmonology. I guess I have time to decide.”
“Oh, sweet boy. You have no idea how proud I am to be your mother. You’re such an accomplishment.”
“Ha! Me? Well you’re not too bad yourself…but uh…seriously, Mom. Thank you for everything. I’d be a hopeless situation without you.”
“You would be brilliant regardless, but as you said, Bish…we are a family. That’s what families do.”