7.3 FORESHADOWING 3

None of us were surprised that Dad had chosen Conrad as his successor. We were surprised though, by the fact that Dad chose to tell us NOW. 

I was especially worried, because I could tell that although this succession announcement was important for him, there was something else he really wanted to talk about. Anxiety and guilt flew like sparks around him and because Dad is one of those naturally confident types, seeing him like this was... disturbing. The others, though, thought that his retirement was the biggest news they were going to hear tonight. After a few seconds of stunned silence, everyone began talking at once--congratulating Conrad and making jokes. 

It was only Conrad who was protesting. Beneath his surprise was a thick current of worry and uncertainty. No one in the family would ever contest his claim as the most qualified to step into Dad's shoes, so the uncertainty was more about his own assessment of himself. My eldest bro