Undone (Part 1)

"Do you want to see your son again?"

Sebastian stared blankly at the man at his door: wiry, pale, and wearing a suit that seemed at least one size too big.  Undoubtedly, he was from the head office.  His gait and the way words came out of his mouth at a practiced pace made him just robotic enough to give away his training.

Sebastian's left hand closed the door behind him as he relaxed his right hand from the involuntary fist it had made.  There was no way he was going to let this bureaucrat into his home.  He struggled to find the right words to convey his thoughts.  "I'm sorry," he began.  "Is that a threat?"

Gift of the Unicantelope

Steven considered the road trip a flop
when his father suggested a quick rest stop.
They pulled into the parking lot, spilling out
of the minivan with nary another family about.
"Stretch your legs," said his dad, "but don't wander
too far." And as Steven stretched, he remembered fonder
days when he hadn't had to sit and endure
visiting relatives he disliked in a tri-state tour.

Sometimes

I used to come here on Wednesdays because the shakes are half-price before 6.  I still enjoy the half-price shakes, but I now come because I know you'll be here.  You'll take the second booth on the wall with the piece of art that looks like a big blue nose hovering the air and order fried pickles, unless it's occupied.  Then you'll sit at the bar and order a martini.  You're never alone, but your companions are always women.  I don't know you, but I need you.

This scares me.