One Wish

One Wish

The house, with its flower beds and picket fence, was bustling with activity. Tables were being carried out, balloons and streamers were being strung and taped along the fence and wooden porch railing. The family started arriving shortly afterward.

Inside was just as festive, with a banner taped across the living room ceiling, presents piled on the floor. Still more family came in, all laughing and carrying presents. Now, all that was needed was the birthday boy, Shawn. His Aunt Carolyn arrived, bearing an enormous cake, shaped like the number eight.

Up in his bedroom, the boy in question was crouching in his closet, angrily slamming a ball against the wall. Thump, thump, over and over. Why have this party, when my life was unraveling? What was he supposed to do, pretend to be happy? Swallowing the lump in his throat, he stared at his clothes hanging in a neat line. At least, his clothes and house were still familiar. Chest heaving, his gaze fell to his cluttered floor. Outgrown shoes, forgotten toys, all jumbled together. Like my life! He thought.

Knock, knock. In his shelter, Shawn went still, not wanting to talk to anyone. Go away, whoever you are! He pleaded, let me stay here! Footsteps approached softly, then paused near the closet. A familiar voice began speaking, explaining that everyone was downstairs, waiting for him. That was Aunt Carolyn, Shawn recognized her voice. She continued talking, but Shawn's anger refused to melt. The other children were anxious to see him, and they were going to play outside. Aunt Carolyn rapped at the door, more urgently this time. She repeated her request, then left the room.

At the party, Shawn's Mom was doing her best to act normally. Games and food, without Shawn. She thought the excited shrieks of the other kids would be enough !lure him outside, but it didn't appear to be working. The children were playing tag and baseball in the yard.

Overcome, Shawn sagged against the wall, finally allowing his pent-up tears to spill down his cheeks. He cried for a long time, until he was limp and exhausted. Stretching out in his cramped closet, he closed his eyes, longing for this awful day to end.

It all began eight months earlier -- his parents' fighting was escalating, making nights and evenings unbearable! Distracted in school, he'd felt as if he was alone. One day, after a big fight, he blurted out to a friend what was happening. Sympathetic, his friend told him that his parents were probably getting a divorce. Another classmate chimed in, saying her parents had gotten divorced, and she now spent every other weekend at each other's houses. Shawn felt relieved he wasn't the only child going through this difficult time.

He often heard them using the word lawyer, which he didn't know. All he really understood was they were fighting about him!

Things came to a head when, returning home from school, he discovered Dad's belongings stacked in the hall. Mom was standing there, face expressionless. Taking Shawn aside, she said his Dad was leaving, she wasn't sure for how long. Shawn felt stupid, why hadn't he spotted this coming? Dad had mentioned something about renting an apartment. Waving goodbye, Shawn wondered whether he'd see his Dad again. As Dad's truck slowly pulled away, Shawn's stomach dropped, leaving him hollow, empty. Standing beside him, Mom's face was now firmly set, as if resigning herself to his leaving. The one wish of Shawn's was Dad's return.

Now, here he sat, sulking in his closet, resenting his parents' decision. He stubbornly refused to come downstairs; if he was miserable, everyone else could be miserable, too.

Needing the bathroom, he crept out of his hiding place, out of his room, and down the hall. Inside, he locked the door, hoping no one would disturb him. Laughter floated up to him from the party. Flushing, he dashed back to his room, slamming his door.

Downstairs, his Mom and Aunt Carolyn raised their eyebrows at the commotion above them. So, Aunt Carolyn organized Musical Chairs, and Shawn's Mom headed upstairs. Without waiting for a response, she entered his room, which was dark and quiet. Glancing around, there was no sign of Shawn; calling produced no response. Flinging open the closet, she found her son once more crouched in the darkness, eyes squeezed shut.

Also crouching, his Mom began to speak. She understood how difficult this birthday was for Shawn, and wished things had turned out differently between her and his Dad. There was a present from him, but no, he wasn't there. At those words, Shawn turned away, expression sullen. Mom tried hugging him, but he remained stiff, resisting any comfort. After a few more minutes of silence, she returned to the party.

Still refusing to emerge or !calm his anger, Shawn remained in his self-made prison. He slumped down on his bed, and listened to the long stretches of silence. Perhaps the guests have gone, he thought. Out his window, the sun was still shining brightly, which only infuriated him even more. Gazing at his walls plastered with superhero posters, he knew this would become his sanctuary from this new crazy life, this new normal!

Downstairs, Mom (with a heavy heart) began cleaning the remains ofthe party. The cake (untouched) was placed in the freezer. Only Aunt Carolyn and her kids stayed to help. Even though both women understood Shawn's need for grief, but to have it last all day? Seemed rather extreme to them. Stuffing popped balloons in to a trash bag, his Mom was listening for any sound from Shawn. Carolyn was saddened he hadn't felt able to come down. Removing the Happy Birthday banner made her eyes water.

That night, Shawn dreamt his parents were still living together. He and Dad fished in their favorite lake, and played ball. It was the perfect day. As they fished, Dad admitted he and Mom weren't getting along, their divorce would be finalized shortly. Heartbroken, Shawn asked why they were separating. Dad answered how sometimes, some parents were unable to make their marriages work. Shawn pleaded with him to try again, but Dad shook his head, then pulled Shawn in to a tight embrace. Dad reassured Shawn that no matter what, he would always love him, and would always be there. Then, he simply faded away, like a breeze.

Upon waking, Shawn stretched, and almost smiled. Then, it all came rushing back -- skipping his own party, and his parents' divorce. Not recalling the dream, he carried on with his day, not speaking to his mother, and moping in his room. His mother tried to speak with him, but it was all for nothing. Shawn remained as stubborn as ever.

That evening, Dad phoned, and wanted to speak with Shawn. Still angry, Shawn grudgingly took the call, but didn't say much. Dad promised he'd see him whenever possible Right now, he and Mom were still working things out, but Shawn must be patient a while longer. Shawn admitted he'd skipped out on his own party. After a pause, Shawn hung up, not much better than he was before the call. Mom also added that he would still be living with her for the time being; she and Dad were still working out grown-up arrangements.

Out his window, Shawn gazed at the sky dotted with stars. It was definitely final, this divorce thing. He hated it, but he knew he'd have to get used to it. It wouldn't be easy.

The End