The smell of brand new wood is heavy in the air. You sit on the cold cement floor, watching setting sunlight cut through the dust particles suspended in air.

Footsteps are heavy as they come down the staircase. “Love?” Simon’s voice grounds you, bringing you back from your thoughts.

You’d been sitting in the same spot for hours, stuck frozen in a happier time. Your father had been helping you remodel your unfinished basement. It was a project too daunting and too out of your scope of skills for you to tackle on your own. It was an in for him to come back into your life and reconnect, something the two of you craved since he left all those years ago.

Apparently, it was a way for you to get your heart broken as well.

“Yeah?” you ask softly, staring at the unused pieces of plywood on the floor.

Simon steps over some tarps and lowers himself to the ground, placing a toolbox, that looks brand new to the side. He had confessed he’d been watching youtube videos, trying to learn so he can help you finish remodeling. “How was the funeral?” His voice is low, cautious. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it home in time.” He has just returned from a month-long mission. He’d fought tooth and nail to not get sent at such a grievous time in your life, but it was unavoidable.

You shrug and stare at the plywood. “Mum didn’t show up. Neither did my brother or sister.” Your voice is quiet, heavy with emotion. “I guess they could never forgive him..”

Simon sighs, reaching out and taking your hand. His balaclava is off, revealing messy bronze hair and a weathered face. “You were there. That’s what matters.”