Returning

Okay, Eleanor thought, that was not expected.

How dad looks, usual question. All about him, nope, new one.

Eleanor thought for a while. As she closed her eyes, she let the events of that night flood her mind. As the memories played like tapes in her eyes, she stroked his hair.

"You know," she began, having Nathan's undivided attention, "he had black hair just like yours."

"Like mine?" Nathan asked with eyes that twinkled. It was delightful to hear his father had black hair just like his.

Eleanor nodded and continued. "You are just like him, only, you're a boy and he's a man. I saw him smile once."

"How was it?"

"It was simply captivating, like Tasha's. He was tall and strong. Like a macho man." She chuckled.

Nathan was quiet as he stared at the black polka dots on the blue duvet for a long time before finally looking up. His lips moved but no words came out.

His thoughts were a jumbled mess and he wondered if he should tell her what he saw. After a long while, he decided against it.