Just when you think you're growing up and becoming capable of handling yourself, Dad says "hey sweetie" and the back bone you had disappears.

See, my father left for London for two weeks and not only didn't he tell me at any point in the summer that he was going to go, but he also didn't tell me the day he left that he was leaving. I found out that night when he didn't come home. I was irate. I planned all these speeches to give him when he returned. This was the straw that broke the camel's back and he was going to hear all the things that he'd been doing lately that I found to be inconciderate or unfair. Just wait Pops, you'll get it when you get back.

After picking up DB I returned home and he was there, sitting in the Lay-Z-boy. I walked in and talked straight to my mom. Ignoring that he had returned. If he expected to slip away unnoticed was it so much for me to want him to just slip back in with no big to-do? My mom didn't let it slide and made me give him a hug...I one armed him. I was preping myself. As soon as mom and DB left I was going to tear into him....I just went to my room with no word, saying I felt bad and was going to lay down.

That night I dreamt my mother had left my family saying she couldn't take it anymore. My dream father didn't try to stop dream mom. I woke up crying. Ran to my mom and hugged her. Dad was in the front of the house, I cried some more.Pulling myself together I dressed in what I determined were adult-like clothes. This was it. This was the time.

I marched into the den. Dad said, "Goodmorning, Sweetie."

"Mornin' Dad" I replied, as I walked past, bit my tongue, and remained silent.