Page 138 of Error Handling

“This isn’t about Allison,” I repeat.

“Are you sure?”

I plop into the only chair that’s parked at my kitchen table and set the can down with a clunk.

“Of course I don’t want someone to cheat on me again,” I say. “Who wants that?”

“You and Allison were young.”

“She was old enough to know better.”

“I know. I mean, to a degree, yes. But people make mistakes. Especially young people.”

“Old people do too.”

“If you like Sarah, you got to let go of your baggage, Chris. You can’t be afraid to take a few risks because of one relationship that went sour.”

“I take risks. I’m moving to Puerto Rico.”

“Is that really a risk? Or is it more of the same?”

“I thought you wanted me to go to Puerto Rico.”

“I want you to be happy. And the job... It might make you happy for a while, but it doesn’t last. You won’t be on your deathbed wishing you worked more.”

I sigh, and then take a long swig of Coke.

“I don’t know, Dad. I get what you’re saying, but I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot with someone.”

“Okay. Okay. I hear you. You do you, Boo.”

“Have you been watching YouTube?”

“Maybe.”

I grab the Handy Manny Pez dispenser set that’s still sitting where Sarah left it. I study the saw, with his red handle and his googly eyes.

“I’m not trying to tell you what to do,” Dad reiterates. “I’m just offering another perspective. Asking questions you might not have thought of.”

“I know.” I set the box of plastic toys back on the table. “I appreciate it.”

“Let us know when you get settled into your new apartment down there. I need to know you didn’t get lost in transit.”

“I will.”

“Do you want me to hand you back to your mother?”

“No,” I say, too sharply.

Dad chuckles.

“Just eat, Dad. She worries about you. And I do too.”

“Fine. But it might not be healthy food. In fact, it probably won’t be.”

“As long as it’s something.”

We say our goodbyes, and I end the call. In the silence that follows, I have a staring contest with Handy Manny. I blink first.