5 Ch 5 A Father/Son Talk (1/2)

”I don't hate you.”

A partial truth. He was my father and I loved him. I just hated his ongoing sermons and training. He was a wolf living in a human world. I was a human, who merely also happened to be able to live as a wolf. I grew up human, despite our family excursions as wolves. I was part of a deep and cultural human society. I had family beyond just him and mom. I was part of my mom's tribe, a connection with society Dad never had and possibly, I realized, a connection he just couldn't completely grasp. I had an identity beyond being wolf. My interests went far beyond the limits of a wolf. I honestly couldn't see me having any trouble out in the world.

My dad was right about me being filled with mom's desire to learn; and his too. Teacher he might be, but in his heart, Dad was an eternal student.

Dad gave a little hmmph as if he knew what I was thinking. He probably did, as often as we'd yelled it back and forth. But then he grinned a bit as he walked over and put his hand behind my head. He pulled on me until our foreheads met.

”You're my son, and I love you. Now go get cleaned up so we can go shopping.

A quick shower, a pair of jeans and a black tee shirt dad had set out, his way of telling me to keep out of his room, and I was ready to go.

Dad drove, and asked me about my job prospect the whole way over. It was easy conversation for a change, both of us avoiding the word choices that usually set things off.

Two hair cuts later (dad had insisted I needed one as well), a quick second breakfast while we were out, then on to the local grocery store.

Looking at our full shopping cart, I realized we'd managed a whole morning with no arguments. That sense of camaraderie was back, if slightly strained. Dad sent me out to load up the truck while he went back in for something.

When he came out, he went to the passenger side, letting me drive, much to my surprise. Seemed he was really trying to treat me like a man like he'd said. He was quiet, almost pensive, for the ride home. He kept fingering whatever he had gone back in for in his far jacket pocket.

Groceries finally put away, I started to head out of the kitchen when dad stopped me by grabbing my arm. He put that small bag from his last minute purchase in my hands.

”You're going to be on your own,” he started nervously, ”and you're going to be looking for companionship.” Dad paused, looking out the kitchen window before he started talking again.

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”You know I've always told you to be cautious, to be vigilante...”