Connected (2)

"Glasses," he commanded, motioning with his chin while his hands opened the mustard.

I could tell by the glance he gave at the empty sink he realized I hadn't bothered using a glass while drinking down the carton. I could almost hear what Mom would say every time she thought I was sneaking a drink without using a glass. Dad was silent as he gave the milk a quick sniff to make sure it hadn't spoiled.

He emptied the last of it into the two glasses I set on the counter.

"I'll go shopping once the stores open," Dad said.

There was a pause, with closed eyes on his part, as if he was pulling himself together still. When he opened them, he picked up the milk glass, raising it as if making a toast.

"Congratulations on getting a response from those many applications you filled out," he said.

A slight smile like old times touched his lips before he hid his disappointment at me leaving him soon. I think he just realized he needed me as much as I needed him.

"I know you've worked hard. Which comp