That Sunday, at five minutes to four, Dad was already sitting next to the phone.
“We could video call,” Derek offered.
“No,” Dad said. “I don’t want to see how old he got until I hear his voice.”
At four o’clock, he dialed.
Mom tried to leave the room to give him privacy. Dad caught her wrist.
“Stay.”
Luis answered on the third ring.
“Hello?”
Dad closed his eyes.
“Luis.”
Silence.
Then:
“You still sound serious.”
And Dad laughed. Not a polite laugh. The helpless laugh of a man who’d suddenly turned twenty-seven again.
“And you still insult people before you say hello.”
“That was hello.”
They talked for ninety minutes. About weather. Work. People who’d died. Places Luis had traveled.
Then Dad mentioned the workshop. Luis went quiet.
“I remember that land,” he said. “You built the shop?”
“We’re rebuilding it. My sons and I.”
A long pause.
“You have sons.”
“Two.”
“You never sent me pictures.”
“I know.”
“Well, that was inconsiderate.”
“Yes,” Dad said.
Derek stared at me. I’d never once heard Dad agree to criticism that fast.
“Send some,” Luis said.
Dad smiled. “I will.”
After that, they talked every Sunday.
Luis was a commercial photographer. He’d spent twenty years photographing architecture and craftspeople all over the Southwest. When he heard about the community room, he got interested.
“Don’t make it sentimental,” he warned.
“It won’t be,” Dad said.
“You’re turning Dad’s old land into a woodworking school with a slogan carved in a beam. It’s extremely sentimental.”
Dad looked at us. “Your uncle is annoying.”
From the phone: “I heard that.”
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.