Chapter 107: A Special Bond

Byron tried to steel his heart against the inevitable pain that spending time with his father would bring. But no matter how he tried, he knew there was no way to avoid the suffering. It was kind of like putting his hand deliberately into a fire, knowing it would scroch him.

Maybe Emily was right, and it was a good thing to be vulnerable. The feelings of nostalgic affection he had for his father couldn't exist without the pain of abandonment. The memories were too intertwined. He had to accept the good and the bad as an inevitable part of life.

They walked on the beach together, and in some ways it felt as if his dad had never left. They used to have deep talks like this back in the old days, ranging from tractors to the meaning of life.

It was a misty day, with just enough sun filtering through the pale grey clouds.

"The last time I saw you," Byron said, "when you got mom to loan you that money... Why did you disappear again for so many years? We never heard from you."

"I though