Loss of Equilibrium Chapter 6: Greatest

In the Northern region of a small island of the coast of Canada's eastern shore lives a mechanic. The mechanic is known for repairing boats and operating different sorts of machinery and engines. He is also known to beat down any thugs or thieves in the town of Grise Fiord, Nunavut and for this he is viewed as a hero to his people.

In his shop, “John’s Garage”, the mechanic, John repairs many boat engines of every kind. The town is not as big as many others but it is still a populated island. The shop is located near a beach, something that John loves.

John exits the garage and looks beyond the beach to see boats and seagulls. He wears a fur coat, an A-shirt, brown jeans with straps that reach to his broad shoulders, and black shoes. In his hand he holds a wrench. He has just finished installing a motor onto a bike from one of his many customers. The afternoon winter doesn’t seem to affect him as he does not button up his coat. He smiles to himself and looks on.

He turns when he hears someone behind him, it’s his son Mathew. The six-year-old boy runs to his father as John embraces him. “Hey! How are you doing?” asks John. His son smiles and replies, “I was just on my way from school and I wanted to visit you.” John raises his left eyebrow. “Well, where’s your mother?” he looks around and finally spots her. “Mommy says that she wants to be over there and that I have to hurry up.” The boy looks down and then looks back up to his father. “Daddy? When are you and mommy going to come back together?” John is taken aback from his son’s question. He is uncertain if he should tell him that he and his ex-wife will not be together for quite some time and maybe never. “Listen Mathew. Mommy and Daddy need some time to be apart. Sometimes parents need some alone time because…” He looks up at his ex-wife. “You better get going.”

His son nods his head and digs into his backpack. “Daddy, I made something for you.” John smiles and bends down to meet his son. “Oh? What is it?” his son takes out a folder and then a piece of paper. On it is a picture of a father and son holding hands. At the top reads, “Greatest dad.”

John smiles as he hugs his son. “I love you dad.” John lets his son go as he returns to his mother. He looks at her as she looks back. She says nothing and walks away with their son. John sighs and goes back into his shop.