What's a dad for, dad?

Joey lay on his bed. The room was quiet and silent. He looked at the clock, two a.m. Joey was used to his dad staying out late and drinking, but lately, the matter pressed on him. Was this to his relationship with his dad forever? Most likely, yes.

Tell me why I'm here dad?

Joey often thought why he was here. Why he shouldn’t just kill himself and get it over with. He had once talked to Yugi about this matter. Yugi said he had his friends to live for.

Whisper in my ear that I'm growing up to be a better man, dad.

Something his father had never done. Having to support he and his dad since the age of ten, it was something he had hoped for every day, but he knew it would never come.

Everything is fine dad.

These were his words when his father was sober, which was rare.

Proud that you are mine dad.

Something that every boy should be able to say. This luxury was never given to Joey.

Cause I know I'm growing up to be a better man.

Was he growing to be better? Or worse? Joey knew when he met Yugi his life had turned for better, but now? Was he slipping back into what he knew as life?

Listen when you talk, dad.

Joey heard the sound of a door slamming. Dad was home. Joey sighed and slipped off his shirt and get under the covers. Why did he care about his dad? He himself never quite knew.

And I want you to  know that I will always do the best I can.

The sun played hide-and-go-seek with Joey’s eyes. He turned over and put a pillow on top of his head. “Go away, dammit!” Joey yelled in vain at the beam the refused to stop, until Joey would forfeit the game and face it’s brightness. “Fine, you win.” Joey said getting from the bed. He put on a shirt and walked from his room. He looked over to see his father dead asleep on the sofa. Why couldn’t he just run away and live for himself? This thought had crossed his mind many times, but never settled in. He could never leave his father, some reason. But why!?

The day passed slowly with Joey thinking over his life as he knew it. He wanted to talk to his father like he had never done before. Joey knew the only time of day when his dad was sensible was, eh, around seven. Right before his next drinking fiasco.

Father I will always be

That same boy that stood by the sea

And watched you tower over me

Now I'm older I wanna be the same as you

Joey’s dad was about to leave the house when Joey caught him by the arm, “Dad?” His father looked over to his son. “What?” A gruff voice said. “I-I want you to know I still love you.” Joey said no more, just walked back to his room. Mr. Wheeler’s eyes followed his sixteen-year-old son to the door of his room. He opened the door and walked out.

Joey went into his room and closed the door. He knew his words did no good. He went and opened the large window turned off his light, and sat on the window sill. This was his favorite spot to be at alone. The chill of the night air hit his face and the wind played with his hair. He thought he heard his door open, but pushed it aside and he returned to his bitter pain. To Joey’s surprise, he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. Joey looked up to see his father standing there with him, looking out the window. He must be dreaming. Joey blinked a few times, ‘Wha the heck? I’m dreamin’. ’  Joey looked up at his dad’s face and he looked like Joey had remembered him from when he was young. He felt the hand of his shoulder slip away and his dad left the room. Joey turned to watch his father leave, after the door were closed and his father had left, Joey screamed out the window at the top of his lungs, “Woot!! Hahaha!”

And you know that I will always do the best I can.

Joey settled back to the position on his sill. There was still a smile on his face as a renewed joy was still in him. He hadn’t felt this good since…he didn’t really care. Joey knew his father would return to his old self the by tonight, but for now, this was one of the best days of his life…

When I am a dad, dad,

I'm gonna be a good dad.

Do the best you could, dad.

 
Thank you for my life, dad…