sleep, he never felt rested. He had been doing it for a year and a half but never
fully adjusted.
His grandmother gave him the money for school and convinced him to pursue computer
repair. He didn’t even own a computer. His sister had graduated high school and was
now at Michigan State University, likely with the same financial help. William
didn’t ask though. It wasn’t his business.
His dad, Daniel Further, had surprised him by dating again. William couldn’t recall
him ever dating anyone since his mom passed away. It was possible he did so in
secret, but it must not have lasted long enough to bring anyone around.
Mr. Harlow had changed too. After May was born, he warmed up considerably. He and
Mrs. Harlow visited a few times each week. Casey said her father was a better
grandfather than he’d ever been a father.
Eric was stationed overseas, and William hadn’t heard from him in over a year.
David was at the University of Michigan and came home now and then, but it had been
months since William had seen him.
It was mostly the three of them, William, Casey, and two-year-old May. They had a
good routine. On his days off, William made pancakes for
breakfast. Casey joked if he kept improving, he would soon put Manny out of
business.
William packed his textbook into his backpack for his shift. He hoped the night
would be slower than his last shift. Wednesdays usually were. Fewer drunks, fewer
interruptions.
“Mama!” May yelled from the art room, followed by Casey’s laughter.
He stepped in to find May, wearing only a diaper, covered in paint. Casey,
cross-legged on the floor, had splotches of May’s handprints all over her clothes.