Chapter 33

Tyler locked up while I went down the hall to check on Uncle Ben. His door was open, and I saw him sitting on the side of the bed, rubbing his stomach.

I knocked on the doorjamb and he looked up. “You all right, Ben?” I asked as I leaned against the door frame.

“Just an upset stomach.” Right. More like the cancer was wreaking havoc with his system.

“Anything I can do for you? Tums, maybe?” I chose not to admit that I knew what was really going on, hoping he’d tell me long before I had to confront him about it.

“Yeah. In the bathroom cabinet,” he replied.

I went to retrieve the bottle and returned. “Thanks, son,” he said when I handed it to him.

Ben put five of the chewable tablets in his mouth and set aside the Tums.

“I love you, old man,” I said. “You know you can tell me if anything’s wrong, don’t you?” He looked at me, suspicious, but didn’t answer me, since he was still chewing.

“Good night, Ben.” I moved forward and hugged his fragile body, then left the room.

Tyler had already washed up and was lying in bed, the sheets at his waist and that lovely expanse of flesh laid bare for my visual enjoyment when I got to my bedroom.

“You look like you belong there,” I offered, as I stripped naked.

“I do, huh?” was all he said in response. That was okay, though. I was slowly working my way into his good graces. He would agree to living with me on a permanent basis eventually. I had lots of patience where he was concerned.

“Yup. Be right back.” I left the room and went to the bathroom. After a quick shower and other ablutions, I was back, climbing into bed beside him.

“Come here, lover,” Tyler said and opened his arms to me. I moved into his embrace and held him close to me. His heart beat in sync with mine, our arms and legs entangling as we got comfortable.

Once we were set for the night, Tyler asked, “How’s Ben?”

“I think he’s in a lot of pain, and it will only get worse. I hope he’ll tell me what’s going on soon, or else I might have to call him on it.”

“I’m sorry, Felix.” He kissed my chest.

“I know, love. Go to sleep.” I rested my chin on his head and closed my eyes.

* * * *

Saturday afternoon, Uncle Ben, Tyler and I walked around the farm—not the whole thing, in deference to Ben—but enough so he could get an idea of the place. I showed Tyler where the pumpkins had grown, and some of the paths we had used for hayrides.

“The families had a blast,” I said as the three of us walked up the steps on the front porch of the house a while later.

“I bet,” Tyler replied. He moved to the door. “Why don’t I make us something cool to drink and you two sit for a minute, okay?” Without waiting for our response, he went inside.

Uncle Ben sat in his regular rocking chair and I in mine. “Boy’s good for you,” he said. “Nice manners, too. Fits in here.”

I stared at Ben. “That’s a mouthful, coming from you.”

“Shut it, boy.”

I smiled and enjoyed the sunshine and view before me.

Tyler returned with a tray, three glasses of lemonade, and a pitcher. Uncle Ben took a glass, as did I. Tyler placed the tray on the wooden floor and took his glass and sat in the same spot as yesterday.

“Thank you, son,” Ben said.

“Welcome.” I grabbed his hand, the one closest to me, and kissed it.

The three of us just sat there together in silence. Ben was right. Tyler fit our home like a glove. I wanted him to stay. I needed him to.

A half hour later, Uncle Ben said, “Why don’t you boys take care of dinner tonight? I’m not really that hungry, and I feel a little tired. I’m gonna lie down for a bit.”

That worried me, but I did my best not to show it. “Okay, Uncle Ben. Just call out if you need something.”

He nodded and I watched him stand and go inside.

“It’s getting worse, isn’t it?” Tyler said.

“Yeah. I know it must be bad because he’s always adamant about doing stuff himself, with little or no help. So for him to admit to even being tired…” I rubbed my forehead and sighed. Tyler squeezed my hand, and it was a comfort to me.

We spent the rest of the afternoon roaming around the land, and then I brought out Ben’s old grill and barbecued four steaks that he had in the big freezer.