George: ‘I mean, our expenses are about to multiply…’
Fred: ‘What do you mean?’
George: ‘Folks, I'm gonna be a daddy soon! That's what I want to drink to!’
Fred: ‘When?’
George: ‘The doctors said late February to mid-March.’
Fred: ‘Oh, you're so quiet! Let me give you a hug, Silver!’
Buddy #2: ‘What's it gonna be? A boy or a girl?’
George: ‘A boy.’
Buddy #1: ‘Have you thought about a name yet?’
George: ‘Yeah, we're going to call it Michael. We both like that name. There's no other options.’
Fred: ‘Well, let's drink to the future Michael Silver and his glorious father. May the kid be born healthy and strong and show this world that the Silvers are no hooey!’
The friends roared, and each began to clink their beer-filled mugs with each other. Some had beer overflowing over the edge, dripping onto the table and leaving small puddles.
745, summer. Michael sat on the penultimate step of the stairs at his parents' house. George was standing in front of him, bent over, tying the laces of the boy's trainers. His father shook his head and pronounced: ‘Okay, that's it. It's done. But, you know, it's about time you learnt to tie your own shoelaces. You might start getting teased at school because you don't know how to do it.’
Michael: ‘Dad, why do we have to go to that zoo? I don't want to go there. Can I stay home?’
George helped his son up, looked at him and squatted down to be at the same height as his son.
George: ‘Michael, this is, after all, just a group trip together. You'll visit another city, they'll give you a tour, and you'll see the zoo. You've never been there. How do you know it won't be interesting? Maybe you'll like it!’
Michael: ‘Are you coming with me, too? I know the other kids' parents will be there.’
George: ‘Unfortunately, I won't be able to. I have another flight to catch in a couple of hours. But I'll be mentally with you. Okay? And I'll see you again tomorrow already.’
Michael lowered his head and stared at the floor. George touched his fingers to his son's chin and gently lifted his head up so that he was looking into his eyes.
George: ‘Look, we'll definitely go out somewhere, the three of us: you, me and Mum. Like an amusement park. We'll ride the slides till we're nauseous. Would you like that? It's just that I really can't get off work right now. You know?’