The memory or whatever it was kept playing itself like a movie.
My mom talked with dad for some time, laughing and teasing him once again or twice, and I tried very hard not to listen.
Eventually their flirting came to an end as dad told her. "Hey hon, I am downstairs right now, be sure to tell Lucas to come down, also make sure you guys eat, as the movie is going to be running pretty long."
Mom quickly glanced at the clock.
"Yes mister, sure will do"
Dad's voice came softer now, "Love you darling".
She then in hurry, left the phone propped against the sugar jar, and looked at Lucas, who was playing with his pad.
"Alright, sweetheart. Dad's waiting downstairs. Come on let's get you ready".
Lucas practically bounced on the couch.
She then proceded to comb his hair just as I remembered her doing, fixed his jacket zipper, wrapped a scarf around him, and kissed his forehead.
"Enjoy the movie, baby"
"I will! Mum"
And suddenly the scene shifted.
I blinked, no more fazed by the changes happening now.
I glanced around and found myself standing in a snowy parking lot.
Streelights glowed silently against the falling snow, turning the gentle white into a tint of gold.
Then from around a corner.
Dad and lucas walked together, seeing my dad's face again felt like a dream no matter how much I tried, tears were already forming near my eyes but still I smiled as he wouldn't like, for me to cry.
Together they started walking towards the theatre entrance.
Dad carried a helmet under one arm, his breath fogging lightly as he grinned.
"Yep" he said adjusting his sleeves.
"Got every order from your mum"
Lucas laughed and puffed out his chest.
"That's because she tells you everything."
Dad ruffled his hair.
"Smart boy."
They walked side by side, their steps crunching on the snow.
Dad nudged him lightly on the shoulder.
"Hey… you might want to give me a hug after the movie ends."
Lucas snorted, smiling wide.
"Why? Is the movie that scary?"
"Oh, you'll see," Dad replied with a mischievous grin.
Following them.
We finally saw the golden lights shinning through the foggy glass.
They reached for the door handles and stepped inside.
Blast of warm air tousled their hair slightly.
At the ticket booth, as Dad reached for his wallet, I noticed someone walking towards them.
A tall man with broad-shoulders, scruffy beard, his eyes lighting up with recognition as he saw my dad.
He sped.
Then jumped forward, grabbing my father in a fully tight, man bear hug.
"RYAN! How have you been?!"
Dad staggered a bit, laughing as he scratched his cheek.
"Same as ten years before, huh?" he said, patting the man's back.
The man laughed, gripping Dad's shoulders with both hands as he fondly remembered about something.
"You're still that handsome prick, aren't you?".
Dad clicked his tongue. "As if you weren't jealous back then too."
The man's eyes drifted down and widened.
"Well, well… who's this cute kid?"
Lucas straightened like someone had just awarded him a medal and made him speak about his achievement in front of the whole crowd.
Dad cleared his throat, puffing his chest with dramatic pride.
"He is my creation."
The man slowly turned his head, side-eyeing him so hard it looked painful even from my eyes.
"See that?" he whispered loudly to Lucas. "That mouth of his never stops. Was like this even in school."
Lucas giggled, covering his smile with his scarf.
The man glanced at the ticket counter.
"Ooh! looks like your show's about to start."
Dad nodded, placing a warm hand on Lucas's back.
"Come on, buddy."
They walked toward the theatre doors, talking softly, their footsteps blending into the crowd.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
The lights dimmed, the screen glowed to life, and Lucas settled into his seat, his small legs dangling across the feet area, eyes wide with excitement.
Then a cold tap landed on his shoulder.
He turned.
His dad was holding out a giant tub of popcorn with one hand…and on the other, a cup piled with cold, snowy dessert in the middle of winter.
Lucas blinked.
"Dad…. Mom's gonna—"
His father leaned in, whispering like a criminal sharing state secrets.
"Lucas… if you tell your mom, your dad's night movie privileges are cancelled forever."
Lucas slapped a hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh.
"I won't tell! Promise!"
Dad grinned, ruffled his hair, and passed him the dessert.
"Good. A man needs allies, son."
The movie's opening music swelled, filling the dark theatre as Lucas dug into his treats with shining eyes, snickering popcorn every few seconds.