Who Will He Listen To Now

I love you to pieces, unconditionally, the mama says to Peter. She says this in actions, not in words. In her family you did not say it ever. Pete’s father is demonstrative – I love you flows out of his mouth generously. He lavishes “love you” on loving neighbors, friends, a hitchhiker he has met once. Do you have a minute? Pete asks him. His father assures him he does, but then he must rush off. A friend needs a lift to work. On his return he is summoned to the phone. “I never get to talk to him,” Pete complains to his mother. “He is a rescuer,” she assures Pete. “He is busy being himself. No worries.” By the time his father decides to sit down to listen, Pete has left home. His mother has gone to heaven, and there is no one left for Dad to help. Who will he listen to now?