CHAPTER 13

“Do you see than bird over there? That one came earlier today. It seems like he has grown a liking to his little pond near the porch.” It’s been about twenty minutes since Krist has arrived and not once did Ken recognize that his ‘visitor’ is his son.

He doesn’t remind him like he used to anymore. Holly told him to allow some time for him to figure it out on his own. That way, his memory will be in use on his own terms and not guided by the assistance of others. It was hard to do this, Krist just wanted to blurt out that he is his son and how they used to spend their days together, as a family. But he listened to the caretaker, knowing that she knew more than about this than he ever did or will for that matter.

“That’s nice. Have you been outside today? It’s really warm out there.” Ken made eye contact with his son and smiled.

“Is it? Oh, I bet young people like you enjoy that kind of weather too huh?” He said while softly nudging him.

“Yeah, it’s nice. I like it better with a slight breeze though and maybe even when it’s actually cold.” Krist answered, hoping that saying something that he usually does say to his dad, will force him to recognize the relationship between them.

He watched Ken to see how he would react to this. They are sitting at this round-white table near a huge window overlooking all kinds of nature. There were many trees, flowers, grass and even a small pond nearby and every time they sat there, his dad will go on and on about the animals that visit, especially the birds. Ken has always loved the outdoor and all the wildest life within it. When Krist was young, he’s read to him about the many animals that lived out in the wild and how they lived their lives. Looking at his dad now, Krist is glad that his interests haven’t changed. Slowly, he felt a warm hand place itself on top of Krist’s was on the table.

“I know Krist, you’ve always liked the fall and winter seasons above every other.” Hearing this dad recalling a memory about him made his heart burst. He almost wanted to hug his dad and tell him how much he loves and cares about him.

“Yeah, that’s true dad.” The last word made his voice crack in happiness that he knows will not last. But he wanted to cherish it, knowing that with this illness things will only get worse.

“Holly, have you offered this young man a drink?” She already has done this and Krist even had an empty cup just beside his elbow to prove it.

“Yes, I did. He asked for some water that’s already gone, see.” She pointed at the empty cup and watch as Ken frowned.

“I-I knew that, geez just because I’m old doesn’t mean I can’t see.” Krist chuckled at his dad’s remark. He always made jokes like that. He had a nice sense of humor that didn’t hurt anyone, which is another thing Krist loves about his dad. He is so kind and will never hurt a fly.

“Alright, well it’s time to take your medicine.” Ken nodded and took it without complaining about it or going on about how he has already taken it.

This surprised Krist, since yesterday when he visited, he did start saying that he doesn’t want the medicine. Maybe this was a sign that Ken was getting better. Krist smiled at the though of his dad recovering from this, even though he knows that this illness can’t be cured. Treatments do help and can sometimes prolong the person’s memory storage, but they can’t go back to how they were before…ever. But Krist didn’t allow himself to think about that. He needs to make himself appreciate the small victories that he sees in his dad and not focus so much on the cruel reality that is dementia.

“Okay, how about we step outside for a bit?” Holly offered as she lent Ken an arm. She would love to take him for an actual walk, but the last time they did that, he started wandering off by himself. So, she decided that it will be best to just let him enjoy the outside in the safety of their yard. Krist watched as his dad stood up slowly and smiled at the sound of the sliding door opening.

“Ooohh… It’s nice and warm out here.” Holly stood beside him as he started looking at all of the greenery around him. Krist decided to just sit on one of the foldable chairs that were placed near the bushes.

He was okay with just watching his dad. Plus, when he’s outside, he starts to zone out into his own little world and Krist didn’t want to bother him when that happened. Ken’s smile stayed on his face the entire time they were outside. He appeared to look even more content than he every did.

This is where he belongs. Krist heard a voice in his head say. It sounded a lot like his mom’s and he knew that she really was doing all of this to help him. Slowly, Krist could feel his heart forgiving his mom. Mending their relationship will take time, but he is willing to give her a chance. He knows that he isn’t going to stay mad at her forever and this grudge he has against her wasn’t all her fault. She did help him, and she does care. Krist just didn’t realize that until this exact moment.