Through the window

Nineteen

"Yeah, i remember him always taking us on holidays to anywhere he could find that had a nice view. He loved going places with us- me and my mum i mean" I nod along at that, taking a sip of some apple juice he poured for me.

"Before he fell ill he was so adventurous, I miss him so much. I miss his energy and how he was always happy and enjoyed everyday to the fullest. Maybe that's why I try to do the same" I pause at that.

Knowing how cheerful Milo is almost everyday, it's sweet that he wants to take after his father like that, live his life the best way he can.

I see him smile to himself, like he's remembering a memory. "He wouldn't want me to be sad about his passing, he would want me to carry on living everyday. Enjoy myself, he planned for me and my mum to move here after he passed to be closer to our family.

To be surrounded by loved ones, he wanted me to make new friends, see the world with them. He just wanted me to be happy" his smile is present but his eyes are teary, though he shakes his head as if to get rid of them. His father didn't want him to be sad.

I grab his hand, though hestinely because I didn't know if he'd retract it. But he looks up to me with his smile and his bright blue eyes and he nods. As if saying 'thank you for listening' and I'm glad I listened.

"That's really sweet, I'm happy you shared that. Your dad sounded like an amazing man" he let's out a light laugh at that, knowing i don't know the half of it and that he really truly was a great man, and great father.

"He really was. Anyway, what about you. How's your family like, I mean I guessed half of it already. Strict, right?" I sigh, flexing my fingers in his hand, he swipes his thumb across my knuckles and I feel my heart pick up at the action.

"Yeah basically, my father is quite an angry man. I feel like everything sets him off but he has a reason to be angry- i mean, he's the mayor of this stupid town so he has a lot on his plate. I would feel stressed too." Milo nods at that, listening intently and I can tell he is doing that thing he does.

Where he tries to listen for the deeper meanings. But there are none, it's how I view my father, he's just an ager fueled man with a lot on his plate.

"My parents were forced to get married, which is shit because I can tell they don't really like each other. Maybe they love each other but not in that way" Milo's eyes widen slightly at that and I can tell he wants to say something.

"It's like they're friends but married, I've never even seen them kiss or anything parents do you know? Like, it just feels weird because they don't look inlove." Milo gives me a look in a pity way, feeling bad for me.

And I don't know why I just told him all that but he's right here, he's listening and he told me about his dad too.

"I don't really know my mother, not anymore at least. We used to be really close when we were younger but as I got older it seemed like the only thing we could do was argue. And then forget about it the next day." Milo squeezes my hand and I scurch up my face, remembering how close we were.

"Sometimes I feel like she doesn't even see me, she's always to preocupied with other things or care about something else then to listen to me." Milo shuffles closer to me and I look him in the eyes, his face full of pity.

"I'm sorry Harvey, I couldn't imagine that" i sigh at that, then I ask him how his relationship with his mother is. Wanting to hear something brighter.

"I absolutely adore my mum, she's everything. She's always been there for me, lately it's been hard for her. You know, since dad. But she's managing, she's a really strong woman and I feel like she's just being strong for me." I nod at that, picturing how hard it would be to lose someone.