Answers

The sun is just dipping below the horizon, and thy sky is now that beautiful orangish-purple color that can soften the heart of even the toughest cowboys on these West Texas ranches. A tan, dark-haired boy that appears to be nearing manhood turns to his father after unloading a truck-bed of alphalpha.

  

   "Hey, Dad, how's a fella supposed know when he has found that special someone?"

 

The boys father slowly turns and smiles in a way that only a father can, understanding yet concerned, both wise and proud.

  

   "Son, I want you listen closely to what I tell you here. There is a girl out there asking the very same question you are right now. She is looking for the same answers you are, and just like you, she isn't going to find them yet."

 

Puzzled and slightly surprised the boy jumps up from the tailgate of his father's old Chevrolet.

  

   "Hold on just a second, now, does that mean you aren't going to tell me?"

  

   "No, that just means I can't tell you. No one can tell you. You just know."

 

Both father and son sit quietly for a few moments watching hawks fly against a slowly darkening sky.

  

    "Tell me this, son. What are you thinking about every night that you lie up on the roof for hours?"

 

The boy grins and turns a shade of red.

  

   "I guess I'm thinking about her. Who she is. What she's doing. When I'll meet her. That sort of thing."

 

The older man chuckles and wraps an arm around his pride and joy.

  

   "Exactly, son. That very same girl you are thinking about is also thinking about you. She's asking herself the same questions you are. No matter what happens, you'll always have questions, son. She will always have questions too. Yet, thats how you'll know that you have found her. You'll both be asking the same questions and looking for the same answers, and you'll come to realize that only through one another will you ever find those answers."

 

Again, father and son sit quietly and admire the art God paints for us on the sky each morning and night.

  

   "But thats enough talk about women for one day. It's getting dark and I'm kind of hungry. What do you say we head home, son?"

  

   "Sure thing.  Thank you for the answers, Dad."

Reviews

[Kathryn]

The third person present tense really threw me off because I haven't read something in that manner since...I don't know when. It was refreshing and unique.
Aside from the style, the content was fabulous, Caleb. Thank you for sending the read request, this piece made my day. Very appropriate wisdom for a person at any age. I really appreciate you sharing this with me; oddly enough, it's exactly what I needed to hear.
Well-written piece with a good moral. Terrific!

[Mel]

This was cute and insightful, which few could pull off. You painted the scene beautiful, I could see rich colours, and the dialogue between father and son was flawless and thoughtful. Well done!

[Cherry Berry]

This is a truly charming story. This piece is both morally valuable and sweetly entertaining. Well penned.

xox
Cherri

[Shanna (Renae)]

Awww! Caleb, this is so cute!

A few spelling errors, but other than that, perfect. :)

[Scott Free]

Very good, Caleb! This was so touching!
You have such great insights to share, and you share them in such a great way.
I was wondering what the word 'concercened' means...up there near the top, after the boy asks his first question.
I could totally hear the western drawl--good job on all of this!
Hope to read more,

~S

[Glen marsh]

this was short and sweet the way the father answered the question was smartly done and truthful. i found the scene set was real i was there with your discriptions. as i father i now hope my boy ask the same question so i can reply the same answer. overall very touching well done