Unlike my father, who was a Beatles fan,
I liked The Rolling Stones more. The Beatles were just too happy.
Growing up during the war, I learned all about how the world really turns.

I didn't get the chance to go to school.
But not once did I blame my father for that.
No, he did everything in his power to give me anything I needed.



With an imploded economy, we were considered among the lucky ones.
We had a bike shop, food on our table and a house.
Hell, we even had a car.

I was driving her home from a party outside of town. I wasn't even speeding.
But it was so late, and I was so tired. So, damn, tired.
It was my fault she was dead.

I killed my sister.

For the 1st time in my life I saw my father in Travis. Pure emotion and honesty.
My dad then pulled out his leather wallet and sat next to me on the bed.
He took out a picture from one of the plastic selves and gave it to me.




"That's you. The day you became known as Joseph Newton-Lavelle,
exactly 500 Days after you were born. That's one of my bikes in the back.
You have no idea how much you and Zooey mean to me, you're all I have left."

I didn't know what to say, this was all coming at me so fast.
And here I thought Travis was just a bum that had abandoned me.
I handed the picture back to him and asked, "Why did you run away?"

"I had to get away from the Army after being drafted.
Between getting harassed by Chloe's father as my sergeant
and the fear of fighting in a war I didn't believe in, I decided to run."

I wanted to call him a coward, but I probably would have done the same thing.
The stories being leaked about the military during wartime are cringe worthy.
So, instead of ridiculing him I nodded and allowed him to finish the story.

"I went west and back to my second home in Los Angeles.
I got help from a friend and was able to hide out from the government.
But now I'm back trying to make up for all the years I lost with you, Joseph."