LOVE, SECRETS, AND BLURRED LINES

PH

lked along the sidewalk and the cars that zoomed off in traffic ho

g seemed blurry at that point and it felt like all the air in my lungs wa

oped he w

n up to my father, a short round man in his late sixties. His head had become bald as a result of

up t

me, you will have to vacate this p

e to hear him spew that

e anything wrong. I mean, we pay

ears, maybe fifteen, whatever. The point is, many of your employees are complaining that you haven't paid them in a very long time and have been usi

p but I came to stand in fr

tates Department of Labour, specifically the Wage and Hour Division." He repli

und, studying it befor

ve to do with my fa

ng but some folks from the government were at his office, the Evergreen Pos

by not paying his employees when due and this h

financial issues but we already ex

hours spent in this shit hole or put food on their tabl

in frustration, "well, just give us

ly time I'll be giving you both is time to pack up your stuff and l

fine in cash to compensate all the employees he has deprived of wa

s quick to catch him lest he fell to the ground. He was trembling

be strong

y. That way we can earn some money and really pay them what we owe them." I cou

this? They won't work for you anyway so how do you int

very seriou

back when he was a youth and he was so adamant on setting me on a different path in life

had to be stro

ker of confidence that didn't feel all too rea

rk. I'll make the money. I'll get that story that

ng me to try and he wanted t

maintained my new

for you. But all I can give to you is six months. In si

ace for a few more seconds

said to his cohorts w

t in a b

He had become frail both physically and mentally. My mother's d

ss. He was trying to be strong, like he always was

away from me. I worked my butts off to get this far. I can't sit a

I could see my father struggling to be s

little squeeze, "don't worry, father. I

feel something sting my hear

st them?" His voice didn't sou

n when he was saying

d came to stand in front of him, "you say you don't want to lose it

nment? As much as I don't want to lose it, I can't help but feel helpless.

m like this, all beat

st to save your legacy." I didn't know where to begin but I had t

his face. Suddenly, the smile slowly turned up

atures and his hand

ped the insta

ice trembling as panic sl

s weight sinking into my arms like sandbags. His f

p my throat and

ffort to keep his eyes open. My voice cracked and my eyes were wide with

what was wro

ared down at the man who'd always seeme

is eyes weren't opening up aga

wn my cheek. My jaw trembled, fingers fumbling to cradle his fac

o the hospital. I need