David hurried down from the school bus and dashed into the house, his school bag and lunch box dangling from him and swinging every which way as he ran. He climbed the stairs two at a time with his little twelve year old legs. He was really excited. Dad was coming home today after being away on a business trip for a month. It was really just three weeks but still, it was a month.

Halfway up the stairs he saw his dad descending, suitcase in hand, phone to his ear, looking very handsome in the three piece dark coloured suit.

"Daddy!" David screamed with excitement, letting his lunch box roll down the stairs, arms spread open.

"I am just about to leave the house, I will be there in ten minutes, give or take depending on the traffic."

He was speaking to someone over the phone hurriedly climbing down, on getting to where his son was, he ruffled his hair and smiled.

"Hey Johnny boy, how was school?" He didn't slow down for an answer.

David paused, his smile disappeared as he wondered if his dad was probably referring to him or to the person on the other end of the line. He let his hands fall to the side.

"My name is Dave. David."

But his dad was already out the door and in the car. Disappointed, he sat on the stairs, fuming. He tore his school bag from his back and flung it over the railing, it landed with a 'thud' on the recently polished floor. Mum would pick it when she gets back from work. He stood up and climbed up to his room whispering, 'If she gets back from work.'

Born into this richly blessed family as the only child, David was entitled to many things. As many things as money could buy. He was provided with everything he could ever want but not his parents. He wasn't able to get them. Work, travelling, meetings....they were all more important to his parents than he was. Though they both loved him but couldn't make out time so they spoilt him, buying him whatever he asked for to cover up for their absence. His friends always called him lucky but he didn't feel it.

On a Saturday morning when his mother was making breakfast, he walked up to her in the kitchen where she was stirring something in a pot over the gas cooker.

"Mum can I talk to you?"

"Yes, I can hear you. What is it?" Her eyes were still on the pot but she smiled, it gave him confidence.

"Do you love me?"

"Of course yes."

"But you're ever hardly around."

"I have work but I can always fit you in somewhere."

"Mum!" He was shocked. Fit him in?? "This is what I mean, you're always busy."

She smiled and put off the gas. "How about Monday next week?"

He sighed, disappointed. "Fine."

She turned and only then did he see the bluetooth in her ear, she continued. "Monday next week in my office, alright? Bye."

David was transfixed. She had been talking to someone else this whole time and he thought he had been having a conversation with his mum.

Or at least trying to have a conversation.

"Dave," she called out to him. "You want something baby? Come let's eat."

He ran out of the kitchen and out of the house angry, riding his bike down the street.
© Leo_kitti