My Father Left Me A Man To Take Care Of Me

I grew up without my father. Never got a birthday card, my mother didn't care where he was. I got a notice delivered by a lawyer, I had to sign for it. A letter, with a key to a safety deposit box. His inheritance for me.

I went to the bank with the key, and the papers from the lawyer, my father's death certificate, his will, the lawyer as executor. In the box was a note signed by my father, 'if you are reading this...' A name, a phone number, a code. His way of meeting his obligations after he died. It wasn't that much money, but it was enough for me to leave home and go to college.

After I degreed I went to work at a company downtown, where I could commute by bus. A 'kind soul' sold me a car for 300 bucks. One night after work the car wouldn't start. The same man gave me a jump and followed me home. He apologized for the car. The next day he took me to a dealership and bought me a better car.

A little at a time, that's what they say, they reel you in, until you are in so deep you can't get away. I sat in my living across from him. No words. Until I stood, went to my room, undressed and left the door open and waited. From then on I was his. My father's g*ft, a man to 'take care if me'.