As the sun began to set into the night, Evan found himself at the dinner table of his home awaiting patiently for the food his father was preparing.
PSss!,
The sound of the boiling grease sizzled and hissed aloud as William lightly seasoned the steak he was cooking.
Evan sat in his chair, anticipation and hunger written all over his face.
William glanced over his shoulder to see his son ready to leap over the table for a taste of the steak. A smile curled up his lips, and a slight laugh became audible.
"Calm down son, it'll be ready in a few moments" William said, his tone even and clam.
Evan's eyes slightly widened in surprise, leaning his back into the chair. A noticeable red tinge became visible on his face as he lowered his head in embarrassment.
'..Get a hold of yourself Evan! Honestly, to think I'd get this excited for some steak…
..but then again it's made by dad. Someone I haven't seen…in a long while' Evan thought somberly to himself.
...
Time came and went as both Evan and William sat and ate their home cooked meal. Evan began to talk with William for seemingly long hours into the night, which took William by surprise, simply cause Evan never really talked for such a long while nor did he thought that his son would be interested in his work life.
But despite this surprise, William welcomed it. It was a good change of pace between him and his son.
Even after they finished eating, Evan still wanted to talk with his father. But, with a yawn of exhaustion, Evan knew his father needed his rest.
With a smile, Evan hugged at his father's thigh. William looked down at his son, a bit of gilt and joy mixed upon his expression.
"I'm sorry Evan, we can talk more if you-"
"It's fine father, you go and get your rest, you've worked hard today. Don't mind me, I'll go and take a bath!" Evan replied back, a wide smile visible on his face.
William a bit taken aback by his son's response, smiled shortly after. He'd embrace his son into a hug, and talked gently into his son's ear.
"Right, thank you son. Good night" William said his eyelids lowering due to exhaustion.
"Goodnight father" Evan replied back, his tone equally soft and gentle.
…..
Mere moments seemed to pass as William ventured off into his room to sleep.
All the while, Evan found himself sitting on the front porch of his childhood home. His gaze fixed on the night sky above.
'I wanted to talk more with dad, to make up for lost time….but that can wait for now.
I'll have plenty of time to catch up with him once everything else is sorted out.' Evan thought to himself, his eyes narrowed with a hint of seriousness.
Standing up from where he was sitting, Evan would turn around to walk back inside the house closing the wooden door behind him.
He'd continue to walk through his home, looking over the numerous framed photos plastered all over the walls. Sketches of him as an infant in his father's arms sent a wave of joy through his heart.
A smile visibly curled upon his lips. To some individuals of this town of their's, William raising a child all on his own seemed strangely unusual.
Some found it difficult to believe he could run his tavern while caring for a child.
Others found him admirable for being able to multitask such a difficult life style, even lending a helping hand or two knowing his situation, which landed William some long time friends.
While the majority would either pity his situation, or ignore his struggles all together.
But despite these circumstances, William never faltered as a parent, nor faltered when it came to running his tavern.
He managed to do what most people struggled to do, he handled his job well. But most importantly he gave time for his child, he gave affection to his child, and always provided care towards his child.
Despite it being an obligation, William always saw it as a blessing to have had Evan. Though he may not say it much, he was thankful for being a father.
Evan loved his father, both in his previous life and still in this one. He couldn't ask for a better parent and role model.
Evan walked around from the kitchen over the the bathroom, opening the wooden door by its metal knob.
Inc the entered he saw the tub he used to bathe in almost every day. Memories came flooding back to him, times of bathing with his father, times of splashing around with his wooden toys, and times where he just relaxed in the subtle warm embrace of the water.
Walking up to the tub, he'd place his hand on the outer rim of it.
"Hah, I know I shouldn't be surprised. But, it's times like thes…when I truly can't believe I'm back" Evan spoke, his tone soft yet regret laced his words.
Evan's gaze began to sweep across the bathroom. Nostalgia evident upon his face. Soon thought, Evan took a deep breath and took a neutral expression.
"Welp, time for a bath. I don't wanna remain all smelly" Evan said his tone neutral.
Slowly Evan began to undress, starting from the black overalls he wore, to his buttoned up white shirt, all the way down to his shoes.
Until finally he was left only in his black shirt boxers. Looking his shoulder, Evan took a look at the mirror of the bathroom.
He slightly cringed at the sight of his young appearance.
"Geez, I don't wanna sound narcissistic. But I was a really cute kid huh?" Evan said, turning his body around slowly as he looked at his reflection.
Suddenly though, Evan paused. His body became still, his eyes widened as he gazed at the mirror. He began to breathe a bit heavily.
"..Wha….what the hell…is that?" Evan spoke, his voice coming out breathless and confused.
Upon Evan's young body, was a long tattoo of sorts. Black in color with dark blue hues. But the most interesting part, was that it was in the shape and form of that of a scorpion.