A few months passed and we didn’t talk about ghosts or curses. As parents of a three year old and a six month old who was determined to rule us all, we were busy and we stayed tired. It was odd, but welcome when Danny called and asked if I’d ride with him to go see John. I said I would, that in fact, I’d be glad to.
“I’ll be there on Friday, then. We can go up Saturday morning and spend the day if that’s all right,” he said.
“Sure, whatever you want,” I said.
“Thanks.”
“Danny, is something wrong?” I asked.
“No. Elizabeth and I were talking and she…”
“She said you needed to make peace with your father or you’d regret it for the rest of your life?” I said, interrupting him.
He laughed. “Nail on the head,” he said.
“Vicky told me the exact same thing, and she was right. He’s not the same, Danny. He’s also very sick. Emphysema and liver issues. Frankly, I don’t know what’s keeping his parts together.”
There was a pause on the line and then I heard him switch hands.
“Sounds like a good idea then. See you Friday.”
“Can’t wait,” I said. “Hey, so is this Elizabeth someone who might…”
He interrupted me that time. “No, Todd. She isn’t.”
I smiled, hearing the tension in his voice. I had a feeling there was more to this Elizabeth than he was telling anyone. She went from engaged to married and still when he mentioned her, she was only ever Elizabeth. Aside from the occasional tales of shopping and the occasional life advice, he never spoke of her.