Change

The priest wore a grim look on his face that looked out to the sea of black-clad mourners Spencer found himself in.

"Dear beloved. We are gathered here today to mourn the loss of Amy Askren."

The rest of the priest words seem to drown out as he looked down into the hole in front of him, where he saw Amy in a deputy's uniform, lying next to Kirstin.

Spencer sat up, **** to open his eyes to any other sight. He then took a deep breath to calm down, before looking at his digital clock, that reads '05:12'.

"Fuck." He muttered before standing up and stumbling towards his daughter's room. Spencer did his best to open the door quietly so he could check on his daughter. Upon seeing Amy sleeping peacefully, Spencer let out a relieved smile. Figuring there wasn't much time for sleep, Spencer decided to get an early start on his morning routine, trying his best to distract himself from his nightmare.

When it came time, Spencer woke Amy up. Whilst she walked by, he kept himself from pulling her into his arms, fearing the abnormal display of affection would tip her off to his feelings. That's when his phone vibrated, which he pulled out, seeing he had a call from Evelyn.

"Morning Evie."

"Hey. I wanted to ask you something?"

"Sure?"

"Could we meet for lunch today at the cafe? I wanna talk about the car?"

"Sure. What time?"

"I might have to text you when."

"No problem. You know I'm free."

"Alright. Thanks, Spencer."

"No problem. See you then."

"See you."

Spencer did his best to distract himself throughout the day, but his mind wouldn't let his nightmare go. Amy wasn't just his daughter. She was Kirstin's legacy, and with her beaming smile, creativity, and quick wit, she was often a splitting image of her mother. All he knew is that he couldn't lose her. Not in a way similar to losing his wife.

Once he got the text, he headed to the cafe, where Evelyn was waiting for him.

"Hey Spence."

"Hey." The two exchanged a quick kiss before Spencer sat down. "How's it going?"

"Good. I've got something."

"Yeah?"

"Well, I talked to the lawyer, and he said that one of Gary's former friends is interested in buying the Mustang for $75,000, so I'm thinking that I take it, and get that money right away."

"I think it's a good idea. I mean you're probably going to get that much for the other cars."

"That's what I was thinking."

"Well I'd say go for it."

"Cool."

"And hey, if any good deals on a car come up, just tell me. I can cover it."

"You'd do that?"

"Of course."

"Thanks Spence. I mean it. I know might not be much to you, but it does mean a lot to me."

"No problem."

"So how have you been?"

"Actually, I kind of wanted to talk to you about that."

Evelyn shot Spencer a puzzled look. "What's on your mind?"

"It's Amy."

"Ahh." Evelyn nodded. "You okay?"

"I had a nightmare last night." Spencer confessed, in a weak tone.

"Funeral?"

"How did you know?"

"Had it about Clay a few times." Evelyn then let out a slight chuckle. "Although for a while it was a dream."

Spencer gave her dark humor a slight smirk.

"Look, I get you've lost more than anyone deserves, but Amy's isn't always going to be your little girl."

"I know. You ever fear for your boys?"

"Sure, but at least they've got a goal in life. I mean shit, how many kids are you know, on Facebook or whatever with no clue what the fuck they're going to do with themselves after school."

"I guess."

"Anyway, kids always change their mind. I mean how many things did you want to be as a kid?"

After a slight chuckle, Spencer said "Well, an astronaut at first, then I guess I came down to Earth and wanted to be a software engineer. Then I guess I got passionate about politics and hear I am."

"See?"

"I guess so. So what did you want to be growing up?"

"Skateboarder."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Loved skating with the local boys. Then nearing the end of school I got a bit more real and decided I wanted to be a nurse."

"So what changed that?"

"Well, I was working at a cafe and then the towers fell and I felt a need to serve my country so I joined the Navy and you know the rest."

That's when their food arrives. After eating, Evelyn said "So, with any luck I'll see you this afternoon, Tiger."

"Hopefully."