Dennis and Dad by Giselle Renarde

Description:

During this year's Father's Day visit, Chris realizes his dad is aging fast. When Chris notices his father's confusion and strange behavior, Dad's long-term partner Dennis expresses his own concern that these are more than just "senior moments." Chris's dad refuses to see a doctor, but with the impending issues around hospitalization and next-of-kin legalities, Dennis and Dad have made a big decision about their future together. A short story.

Excerpt:

And then, from the stairs: “Who’s the darkie?”

Chris’ blood curdled, and for some reason he looked to Dennis, whose eyes were just as wide. “Dad?” Chris asked, unable to process that statement or its intent. A joke? Why? “Dad…what the hell?”

His father glanced slowly at the group of people in the front hall, and screwed up his eyebrows like he was surprised to see them. Nodding toward the window, Dad asked, “You got a new kid?” He laughed, but he was the only one.

“Becky’s friend came along,” Kim said. Her tone seemed reluctant, to Chris, like she just wanted to turn tail and run. Chris knew the feeling. “Remember, Ron? I told you on the phone. I asked if you wouldn’t mind an extra visitor.”

Dad grimaced like he was searching his brain for this information and not finding it. His expression went blank for a moment, and then a scowl took over. “I remember,” he snapped. “But you didn’t tell me she was a coloured girl.”

“Dad!” Chris couldn’t believe his ears. He’d never in his life heard his father talk this way. Never. He really didn’t know how to react, and obviously no one else did either, because the lot of them stood in silence. He found himself looking to Dennis for some kind of explanation, but Dennis averted his gaze, sheepishly, or nervously. Chris wasn’t sure which.

Thank God for Kim. “Oh, we brought gifts,” she said, holding up the matching shiny gift bags. “Happy Father’s Day, you two.”

Dennis recovered at last and said, “We haven’t even invited you in! Come on, we’ve got a whole brunch spread laid out in the kitchen. What do you want to drink?” He took the bags from Kim and led the way.

“You two always have the best coffee brewing,” Chris said. He wanted to forget his father’s uncharacteristic comments, but he felt disjointed now, like nobody was who they were supposed to be.