Mandatory Testing

Alan was watching the news at four in the morning, the green neon light flashing from the digital clock read out on the display of the cable box. He knew that there was nothing good happening, race relations, presidential elections, lots of change. Alan didn’t like change. From where he stood, anything that changed was a slow moving train that slowly brought him from the quiet of his countryside house to the bustle of the loud, aggressive cities. Anyone who made waves around here was considered an outcast and liability. Unpredictability could get you into trouble, or worse.

Alan swiveled himself in the adjustable chair as he heard the door handle turn and click open. He might not have heard it, save for the screen door that creaked and moaned subsequently.

“Jeremy.” He stated plainly.

“Holy shit. Dad? You scared the shit out of me!” His voice was up about two octaves, posture suddenly straighter than it had ever been before.

“Where were you?” Alan maintained the same tone, refusing to give any indication to his disposition, mood, or level of consciousness.

“Oh just got caught up with the guys. I swear, Doug’s couch is so comfy I damn passed out on the thing.”

“C’mere.”

Jeremy slowly walked over to his father, a reluctance in his step. He stopped just out of arm’s length.

Alan snorted, stood up and grabbed his son by the shirt. He lifted the cotton to his nose and breathed deeply. “You pass, this time.”