His dad and the man who used to fix his car were really good buddies.
They would often sit around drinking, chatting and joking in the evenings. He would hear them on those evenings when it was early enough for him to be still up. So, when he heard about the crash, and how his dad’s friend had been killed, he knew it would be a sad time for all of them; even him, although he was only young.
They all knew him, not just his dad. Most times the man would call round straight away if his dad needed something fixed. He used to come direct from his work in town. He was a mechanic in a garage; all he ever did was work on cars.
He and dad would sometimes play golf together. Sometimes they would all go down to the course together. His dad and his friend would play a round of golf. Of course, he was much too young to play. He would toddle around behind them, while his mum sat in the clubhouse chatting with the ladies. Everybody always had a good time. Despite his age, the boy knew his dad was really going to miss his friend.
That’s why he couldn’t understand it when he heard his mum saying she would top up the beer in the fridge for his visitor tomorrow evening. Who could they be talking about? Maybe his dad had found a new friend. In his way, he thought that would be good. When the time came, the front door bell sounded and the man was welcomed in.
It was the man from the garage, the man who played golf with his dad, the man who had recently died. The shock to his young mind was stunning. He could hear his dad and his friend talking and laughing. He sat in the next room with his mother; she was reading a book while he silently played with his blocks. He remained very quiet and withdrawn throughout the evening.
When the man left, the parents could see that the boy was confused.
“He doesn’t understand,” she said.
His father said, “Should we explain?”
She let out a long breath, and said, “I’ll do it.”
She and the boy sat on the sofa together. “I’m sure you know that daddy’s friend died in a car accident,” she began.
The boy nodded slowly.
She continued. “He was in his car on his way to the golf club when it happened.”
The young boy sat waiting for more.
His mother put her arm around him and stroked his hair.
“We were all in it, my dear.”