Justin paced the kitchen. His father should be home by now. It was getting dark.

"Hey, Justin, buddy!"

Justin perked up at the familiar voice. Finally!

"Hi dad! You're finally home!" Justin squeaked.

"Yes, buddy, I am. But only for an hour or two, alright? I assume you've already made yourself dinner? What do ya want to do tonight?" He ruffles Justin's hair playfully.

"I have made dinner! Broccoli and porkchops, just like you said!" Justin smiled.

His dad laughed once and smiled back down proudly. "That's good."

Justin watched him as his father stumbled away into the living room and slump down on the couch.

"Are you okay...?" Justin asked cautiously.

His dad said nothing, but motioned for his son to join him. Which Justin did.

They both settled peacefully into the couch. His dad grabbed the remote and began clicking through different channels, eventually landing on their favorite, TMNT.

Justin laid his head on his dad's shoulder and smiled as the show continued playing. Things flew across the screen as the bad guys tossed debris at the humanoid turtles

After an hour, his dad gently moved Justin off.

"Dad?" Justin asked. "Where are you going?"

"I have to get to work again, son. I'll see you tomorrow?" His dad gets up and quickly darts around the house, gathering everything he needs.

The show forgetten, Justin gets up from the couch and grabs his dad's hand before he leaves the house.

"Please don't go dad." Justin whimpered. "I can't live without you."

His dad sighed. "Buddy, you know pretty much everything there is. You can do this I promise." He starts out the door again. Justin doesnt let go.

"But what is you never come back?" A loud shout comes from the TV.

His dad sighs again and turns around to crouch before Justin. "I'll be back son. I will always come back." And with that, Justin lets go of his hand, and his dad stands up, turns around, and closes the door behind him.

Justin is left staring at the door. A single tear runs down his face. His father...never came back.