RIVER

“Hey, Kiddo?”

“Hey, Dad,” my voice shook as I spoke.

“Are you okay?’ His concern made my eyes widen. Could he tell that something was wrong already? I cleared my throat and nodded.

“Yes, yes, yes, of course.”

“Oh, you sound a bit sick. If you are sick, you can tell me.”

“I am okay, and even if I were sick, I wouldn’t tell you because I don’t want you to worry.”

“River, I am the parent and you…”

“I am the kid,” I finished for him. “I know, I ...