I made the drive in just under three hours.
Inside the diner, I spotted them immediately. Three bikers in a corner booth. And sitting with them, eating pie and laughing, was my father. His eyes were bright. He was actually smiling. I hadn’t seen that since before the diagnosis.
Hank stood up. Tall guy, gray beard, leather vest covered in patches. « You must be Jennifer. Your dad’s been great company. »
« I don’t understand. How did he get here? Why did you bring him? »
« It’s kind of a long story. Sit down. Let me buy you some coffee. »
My father finally noticed me. His face lit up. « Jenny! Look who I met! » He hadn’t called me Jenny in a year. « This is my daughter. She’s a teacher. Makes me so proud. »
I was a teacher. Twenty years ago. I didn’t correct him.
« Your dad’s quite a storyteller, » said the biker whose name tag read « Bear. » « Been telling us about meeting your mom. »
Dad’s face softened. « Best day of my life. Saw her at a dance. She wore a blue dress. Knew right then I was going to marry her. »
He remembered. For the first time in months, he remembered something true and beautiful.
