Episode 16

...Narrated by Hunter Andrew...

As promised, I went to visit my father. It's great that he's home, and getting away from work a little will do me good, since I've been working like crazy these last few years and have barely taken any vacation time.

I decided to visit my father close to the anniversary of my mother's death. This date tends to be delicate with each passing year. It's been ten years since she passed, and spending this date with my father has become a tradition for us.

Since Mom passed away, Dad never wanted to remarry, which I never understood because spending his last years alone, he could have found a companion. Instead, he dedicated himself to taking care of me, educating me, and ensuring his legacy was in good hands.

I'm very grateful to Nana, my nanny. She and my father became great friends. Thanks to her, my father didn't completely isolate himself from the world after his retirement. Leaving the company was one of the hardest things for him, but in the end, he managed to get used to his new reality. Now he travels more often to see family, goes fishing, visits charities, and helps with some projects for the homeless. I am very proud of my father.

I arrived in San Francisco in the morning. When I got home, Nana was already waiting for me in front of the house.

Nana: "Oh my boy, it's so good to see you. I've missed you so much."

She came towards me and hugged me tenderly. I returned her embrace, lifting her up high.

Hunter: "Good to see you too, Nana. Where's Dad? I thought he'd be here to greet me."

Nana: "You know him, he's in the backyard romancing his carp breeding. Come on in, let's go in, I made your favorite cake."

Hunter: "Carp breeding, that's new."

Nana: "Come on, go see your father. I'll grab you a slice of chocolate cake."

Hunter: "Thanks, Nana."

Returning to this house where I grew up brings back many good memories from when my mother was alive. I approach the backyard, and there's my father, sitting in a chair holding what looks like a container of fish food, feeding his little pets.

Hunter: "Is Mr. Julius in?"

He immediately looked at me with a fraternal, slightly emotional look.

Julius: "Son, is that really you?"

He came towards me and gave me a strong hug.

Hunter: "Easy Dad, it hasn't been that long since I was last here."

Julius: "Don't be rude, son. I'm getting old, and I could kick the bucket any minute. I just think you should come visit your old man more often. Nana and I miss you very much."

Hunter: "Come on, Dad. You're the picture of health. If you keep saying that, you'll outlive me."

Nana approached and called us in for afternoon tea. We stayed there for hours reminiscing about the past. I can't believe how quickly time has passed.