To Choose Something Else

"You're still up?" he asked, attempting a smile. "Waiting for me?"

He used to pull me into his arms the moment he came home. This time, he just loosened his cufflinks and disappeared into the bathroom.

A few minutes later, I heard Oliver crying. He was sitting up in bed, his tablet on his lap. Cherry had posted on Instagram.

The photo was of the stage for The Lion King on Broadway. The caption read: "Uncle Sebastian, thank you for the best day ever."

Oliver's Little League championship was two days ago. Sebastian had promised to be there. That morning, he had called to say there was an emergency board meeting.

"I want to talk to Dad," Oliver said, scrubbing at his tears.

I sat on the edge of his bed. "He just got home."

"I know. I heard the car."

So I called Sebastian in. He stood in the doorway, his gaze shifting from Oliver to the tablet. His expression remained impassive, but something flickered deep in his eyes.

"Amelia went to the musical?" Oliver's voice was barely a whisper. "You went to Broadway but missed my final game?"

Sebastian knelt beside the bed. "I didn't forget."

"You said you'd be there."

"I'll take you to Yankee Stadium this weekend."

"You said that last time."

Sebastian placed a hand on Oliver's shoulder. "I'll make it up to you."

Oliver flinched away. "You always say that."

I watched as Sebastian searched for words, but none came. After a moment, Oliver turned away and pulled the blanket over his head.

I looked at Sebastian. "He waited at the stadium entrance for three hours."

Sebastian's jaw tightened.