"What am I doing wrong? What else could I have been missing that he'd just up and leave without acknowledging me?"

Thunder boomed, it's loud roar dancing sweetly into a melody with the pouring rain that tapped along any and all surfaces of Jericho. From where you sat with Tyler on the porch to his home, not even the tranquil song of a rainstorm surrounding you two could distract the poor boy from the pain he felt within. Just an hour prior, he brought up the idea of cracking open a few sodas and watching the game to his pops, only to watch his father leave the home without an answer. Not even a look to his son's way, and the neglect crashed into Ty the same way waves could hit boulders left by cliffs.

Luckily, you were just a phone call and five minutes away to give him the comfort he sought. The attention he deserved. But, despite your nurturing hands brushing through his curls or wiping away his tears, Tyler just continued to wonder why his father couldn't even stand to look at him.