Under a Different Sun

My spot in the family had been taken by another guy.

"Bro, you're back." John's voice snapped me back to reality.

Everyone else looked up at me too.

My dad saw the dirt all over me and his eyebrows knitted together in a frown.

"Just look at you! Are you trying to embarrass us for no good reason?!”

"Did you really have to pick today, when Sheila's coming home from the hospital, to stir up trouble?!"

My mom chimed in right after him.

The mom who used to worry about me, who would get all banged up from training, now looked at me like I was just a bother.

Sheila was sitting on the couch, glowing like only a new mom can.

"Hank, I know you're upset.:

"However, you were gone for so many years. Even if I could handle it, mom and dad needed a kid.”

"You can't just think of yourself without even leaving them a grandkid."

Hearing Sheila's words, I stifled a laugh.

"A grandkid? An adopted kid doesn't count."

"Hank, what are you talking about?!" My dad banged his fist on the table and stood up, staring me down with anger.

"If John hadn't been here, I would've died from a heart attack right there on the street, you know!”

"He's got no parents and has the same last name as us. He's like a gift from heaven!”

"Let me tell you something. If you can talk in a civil manner, you're still welcome in this house.”

"But if you really want to start trouble, I won't hesitate to set things straight myself!"

My dad's anger was like a storm brewing. His eyebrows would arch high and his eyes would grow wide, making him look super scary.

In the old days, worried about his heart, I would have quickly said sorry in a soft voice.

However, I just stood there, not budging an inch.

Dad was about to hit me when John stepped in.

"Let it go, Dad. It's okay if he can't come around just yet."

John stood between me and Dad, giving me a look that was all about being honest.

"Bro, we're throwing a party for the baby. I want you there that day, as the baby's dad."

I thought about the date.

The party was the same day I was due back with my unit. Well, I would make sure it was a party to remember.

"Alright."

I headed into the bathroom to take a shower, all by myself.

However, the sound of their happy chatter did not stop at the door, it followed me, clear as day.

"John, what should we name the baby?"

"You pick, Sheila. You're the mom, so you get to decide."

John's voice was soft, and Sheila sounded like she really leaned on him.

The cold water ran down my neck, and my thoughts sharpened.

I could not forget how, two months ago, I had come home happy and excited.

However, when I opened the door, there was Sheila, big belly and all.

She did not look happy to see me, just scared.

"You! Why are you back?!"

Before I could say anything, a strange guy came out of our bedroom.

"Who's that, Sheila?"

He was wearing my PJs and my slippers.

When he saw me, he quickly put Sheila behind him.

Our wedding picture was gone from the house.

John eyed me suspiciously and asked, "Who are you?!"

"John, he... he's Hank, my husband."