Gabby is fussing with Anna’s hair and
Dad is drinking his third cup of coffee.

He asks if I’m excited to be a senior.

He once wore suits and ties to his job
at the bank.

When he married Gabby, he quit
and started wearing jeans
with Gabby on the farm.

He seems happier, more relaxed
But he also seems different,
not like the dad I grew up with.

When mom left, everyone changed.
I suppose I did too.

Because when I answer him, I tell him
only what he wants to hear.
“It’s going to be great!”
Not what I am really feeling.

And I don’t mention the cell phone in
my pocket, buzzing, connecting me to
a person he knows nothing about.