Chapter 49: A LIFETIME OF INSECURITIES

Sunday at his folks' was a celebration; of his return, of their pregnancy and of their engagement. He was pleasantly surprised when he learned that Ashleigh had been coming to visit each Sunday, even without him. He was equally surprised when she stayed in the kitchen with the ladies and he walked in for another soda and saw Ashleigh and Alma whispering and giggling at the sink.

He couldn't have been more pleased. The only drawback was that he wasn't able to rough house with the kids.

At dinner his father stared at him while chewing on roast beef. He leaned into his mother. "Am I supposed to know who that is with the bandages, mother?"

His mother placed a patient hand on his arm. "That's Christopher. He's gone and gotten reconstruction surgery."

His father's eyes grew sad. He blinked back tears and looked away. "I never forgave myself for not having the money to get you the surgery you needed, Christopher. I've always wished that I could have traded places with you, son. Watching