Chapter 23 - Cameron and His FatherThomas Walsh changed jobs.
Not because of the scandal alone.
Because Cameron was fifteen and Thomas realized he knew more about bridge schedules than his son.
The new position paid slightly less.
Home most nights.
Rebecca worried about money.
Thomas said:
“We’ll adjust.”
Cameron felt guilty.
“Did you do it because of me?”
“Partly.”
“I didn’t ask.”
“I know.”
That mattered.
Thomas was choosing.
Not making Cameron responsible.
Then Cameron asked:
“Do you regret it?”
Thomas thought.
“Ask me after mortgage payment.”
They laughed.
At a basketball game Thomas sat in second row.
Cameron missed two free throws.
Thomas did not give coaching on drive home.
Progress.
Then Cameron said:
“Mrs. Donovan wrote me.”
Thomas’s hands tightened on steering wheel.
“What did she say?”
Cameron summarized.
“Do you forgive her?”
Cameron looked annoyed.
“Why does everybody ask that?”
Thomas caught himself.
“Sorry.”
Silence.
Then Cameron:
“I think I don’t care enough to hate her anymore.”
Thomas nodded.
“That sounds expensive.”
“What?”
“Therapy finally working.”
Cameron laughed.
Their relationship became less about missed years and more about present days.
The scandal had opened a family crack.
They did not fill it with speeches.
They filled it with attendance.
Games.
Dinner.
Driving practice.
May you like
Boring repair.
Strongest kind.
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