Going Home

Part 93

Walking out to the footpath Josh was silent. He didn’t even look at his parents, his eyes were glued to the vehicle sitting on the road outside the apartment. Then looking back at his father, his expression stern, he asked “why?”

Unsure whether Josh’s reaction was good or bad Robert moved towards him and his tone wary, he said “well it is your car, you bought it.”

Looking back at the ute Josh mumbled “but you fixed it.”

Robert smiled as he looked at the car “yes, but I did that for you as much as for me.”

Josh continued to inspect the ute without speaking.

Watching Josh, Robert was still unsure whether he was pleased or not. His expression was so serious. But Robert wanted his son to be happy about this so sounding uncertain he added “it’s registered and road worthy, it’s yours Josh.”

Josh couldn’t believe his father was giving him the ute. It was beautiful and he’d love to drive it but he wasn’t sure what to say. Finally turning to look at his father Josh said “you’re sure? You won’t miss having it at the farm?”

Putting a hand on his shoulder Robert looked at him “Josh I restored the ute for a reason, it helped fill a whole in my life. But I don’t need it anymore, do I?”

Josh knew his father was talking about his absence and what he was asking. He said in a quiet voice “no Dad, you don’t need it anymore.”

Robert released his breath on a sigh, for a minute there he thought Josh was upset about it. Then pulling the keys out of his pocket he held them out to Josh. “It’s your car son and I’d like you to have it.”

Josh took the keys and looked down at them, he said “thanks”

Smiling and patting Josh on the shoulder Robert said “no worries, now how about taking me for a drive?”

Josh looked up with a smile “sounds good.” Then turning to Grace and Margaret who had been watching from the door way of the apartment Josh raised his hand in a gesture of farewell.

Waving Grace smiled and watched as Josh got into the driver seat and Robert in the passenger seat. Then waiting until the car was out of sight she turned to Margaret and said “I don’t know about you but I need a drink.”

Margaret smiles, she felt as relieved as Grace. She agreed with feeling “oh me too” and she followed Grace inside.