I Am Leaving

"Give me all that is mine" James fumed slamming his fist into the wooden table. "I'm tired of it here, I am tired living with you, abiding by your rules, I feel like a prisoner in my own house, I'm better of making a living on my own." 

"But there's not one rule that isn't for your protection" his dad mutter walking to the room where he kept the little belongs he had accumulated over the years. It wasn't much, he wasn't rich and wealthy but he did promise his son that he would be the benefactor of his will. James was the only family he had left. His wife had died in child's birth and James was his only reminder of her. But James had been heavily influenced by the neighborhood boys who were ruthless. His dad had constantly warned him against such company but James lacked the will power of self control, now he was out of control.

"$1000? Are you kidding me? This is all you have for me?"

Dave, his father, nodded slowly. It was all he could afford to give. With the little that remained, it was only enough to last to the end of the year, and after that, he'll just sit on the porch, awaiting the arrival of the death angel. 

James lowed himself to the height of this man he onced called dad, his frame bent from old age "This is the last time I ever want to see you again" he hissed, and with that he left.

James didn't want to have any coincidental meetings with this man, who if he admits, raised him with all the love and care a child deserves. But his dad lacked one thing James couldn't live without...the money, and the fame which came with being rich. His dad taught him values more precious than gold, but what was the use, if it could not be cashed in for the latest gadget or vehicle. Worthless, James thought.

So to avoid any accidentally meets, James took a journey to a far away land.

Freedom had never felt so exhilarating. James felt like he was in paradise in this far away land. He knew no one but that was about to change. He decide to apply for a job at the down town bar where workers were needed. 

"Congrats, can you start working right away? We are a little short on staff?"

"Sure I'll be happy to"

And that was the beginning of what James thought his freedom meant.

A month passed and James found himself some drinking buddies. Every Friday night they came for Happy Hour. James felt a sense of satisfaction. No rules, no one to tell you what to do. 

Time flew by and by now he had long forgotten about his dad.

"Hey, what are you doing for the New Year?" Peter, one of his drinking buddies called from behind the counter of the bar. James pulled the bottle of Alcohol from the shelf raising it in the air "It's just going to be me and this right here, all night long" 

The two shared a hearty laugh before James returned the question "So what about you?...Any plans for the New Year?" 

"Yeah man, going and give my pops a visit"

This was one of the first times James was reminded of his dad.

"He must be one lucky old man" James teased "he better be grateful that you are making the time to visit him."

"Nah man, I'm the lucky one. Luck to have a dad like him"

"Ahh, he's rich right?"

"Nah, growing up he had nothing to give but I never had to question his love for me. I don't know what I would ever do without him"

James was puzzled. "You and your dad are close?"

"He's like my best friend, I visit him when ever I get the chance. I've been saving up some money here and there to move him to a nicer house in the city where I can visit more regularly."

James could not fathom the idea of such a bond between a father and son. He started to reflect on his life, his father. "You all had a great relationship growing up, right?"

"I would say it was like most children and parents. He had rules, I hated them but looking back now I know it was only because he had my best interest at heart."

Those words pierced James' heart like a knife. He know his father meant well but he was so consumed with the idea of freedom that he thought freedom had to mean the absence of rules. "You ever felt that without the rules you could have been better?" James enquired, still mentally trying to validate his actions.

"Look man, a country without rules is chaos" Peter's words were plain and simple and I think James got the point.

Guilt washed over him and he knew he had to make wrong things right. But was it too late now?