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The music from nostalgic times of when the man was still a young lad filled up the cars interior as he continued to drive through the not so busy streets of the city, tapping the steering wheel with his hands while terribly singing along to whatever old tune he was currently listening to. The grocery bags rested peacefully in the trunk of his vehicle and resting not so peacefully in between him and the bags in the backseat secured well to your safety seat were you, whining about the music being too loud, with every little detail being too overwhelming due to the long grocery trip and a nap that was long overdue. Hearing the tiny clone of himself that completely took over his life not that long ago screaming “Daddy!” over and over again from somewhere behind him John grinned ear to ear showing his teeth while looking into the rear-view mirror which he previously adjusted so he’s able to see your face and took the car to a slow stop in front of the red light.
With the car stopped he finally turned the volume down and turned around giving your cheek a quick but loving squeeze, you swatted his hand away with a frown that made your father smile even harder. “Everything alright, munchkin?” He asked with a slight worry in his voice already expecting the answer, looking at the road from time to time to see if the right turned green yet he continued “I know you’re tired… you can take a nap in here if you want.” It was more of a command than a suggestion which obviously you didn’t catch deciding to stay awake “We’re not that far from home either way…” The man murmured under his breath ready for this nightmare to end, dreading what was about to come any moment. John then turned back around to face the road and continued to drive the car forward waiting for your answer and preparing himself for the unreasonable demands that were to come any second.
You looked out the window trying to ignore him giving him your version of silent treatment where you still mumbled something under your breath trying your best to ignore him. Lacking any form of entertainment, seeing how you disliked the music he had playing in the background, and already being after a talk with his wife about not giving you an electronic device every time something was wrong he wanted to take out his house keys and jingle them in front of your face but it turned out to not be needed. A gasp escaped your lips as out the car window you noticed an advertisement for the local restaurant, You noticed sweat starting to drip down your parents forehead as you said that one word. “Cheeseburger.” Announcing proudly pointing at the banner slamming your finger against the window over and over again.
“Honey, we’ll be home soon, we can have something at home… something more healthy.” John said already imagining his spouses disappointed expression when they find out he took you out for fast food for the third time this week.
“Cheeseburger.” You just repeated yourself mispronouncing the word and the man sighed unsure on what to do. “Daddy… Cheeseburger…” You continued to point at the advertisement which slowly passed you with the car driving past it.
Price sighed deeply nodding slowly already giving into your demands. “What do we say?”
“Please.” You answered unsure if that was the word your old man meant, it was a weird concept having to say a special word in an attempt to get anything you ever wanted but if that’s what he wanted then you’ll comply.
With the magic word leaving your mouth he turned to the other line in order to take a different exit to go the advertised fast food place, looking much more content seeing how happy you were. The drive wasn’t the longest only 5 to 10 minutes but for you it felt like eternity, he obviously entertained you in any way he could, mostly by telling a story he made up on the spot just so he can drive in peace. Making a circle around the building he went through the drive-through and ordered something for both himself and his wife, as well as a kids meal for you which included: whatever garbage they stuffed inside and decided to call a “toy” (which John never shut up about as he hated them, noticing how much of a downgrade the new ones were compared to older ones), small fries, a drink you’ll probably throw away any second, and finally your precious cheeseburger.