Homecoming

"No, my real home. My...old home." I say with a breath. "I want to see my sister and....and...." I break down crying. After more than twenty years, would Cindy and mom even still be there? Would my mom even recognize me? Would she...still even be alive?

"You want to go see Auntie Cindy, Grammy Karen and them, dad?" Megan asked. So mom was still alive at least.

I wordlessly shake my head in agreement.

The nurses got me a fresh change of clothes and I got dressed in the bathroom, mainly so I could examine myself, the new me at least.

Greying flecks of hair, a trimmed beard, wrinkles. I have to admit... I looked like shit for only being thirty nine.

"Are you ready, dad?" Megan asked with a knock of the open door. "Y-yeah. Let's go....sweetie." I said, the unfamiliar term of affection falling out of my mouth.