Daddy's Little Killer (A Novel)

Characters in the story
Marcus: Daddy
Maddie: Marcus's wife
J.T. (Jamie Tamara): 6 yr old
Kimmie: 8 yr old sister
Aiden: 10 yr old brother
David: Marcus's father

               Chapter One

Every summer started out the same for Marcus, after 10th grade. Helping his dad run the family business, in a small-town store. Marcus had big plans as soon as he graduates. He wanted to travel the West Coast, in search of the unknown.
His father wasn't pleased with the idea of his only surviving child, moving out of their hometown of Tenino, Wa.
But, as a loving father, he understood because he too, had had big dreams after high school. Running a family business took most of David's free time, even after starting a family of his own. In his heart, he didn't want that same burden on Marcus.
"Marcus, you know what this will do to your mother. She hasn't been the same after we lost the twins. Losing you too, could be the last straw holding her together".
"Oh come on dad! Please don't do this to me. The last thing I want to do is hurt mom. She isn't losing me. My heart just isn't into the family business. I tried dad, I really did. I love mom, more than anything, but there is a life out there, waiting for me to explore it".
"The most I can promise is two more months. I have to find where I belong, before it passes me by".
With nothing more to say, Marcus turns and leaves, letting the screen door slam shut.

Sadness takes over the silence after Marcus leaves the store. David goes to turn the sign on the door to (will return in 15 minutes), and walks to the back of the store. He stares at himself in the mirror hanging above the sink.
Seeing himself in his son, and the strength Marcus has, to pursue a new life, was more than David could bear.
Knowing what it would do to Becky, he broke down and cried. He had to let it out here and now, so he would have the strength to help his wife through the impending news.

When the time came, Marcus said his goodbyes, and through the tears, he'd promised them that he will stay in touch, and to visit often. He packed up the rest of his bags, tossed them in the backseat of his suv, and drove off to search for a new life...

Chapter two, and more to come. Hope you enjoyed it so far.
Picture is one I sketched and edited for this story.