Denver Silver

*i look at you and i notice that you're still smiling, but i can tell that you're not being completely honest with me. i look at you for a moment and then i sigh.* i'm doing okay. but i have to ask, how are you really doing? i noticed that you didn't eat much the other night, and i was just wondering if you're taking care of yourself properly.

*I hesitate* I'm sorry, you're cooking it really good I guess I just get so focused on Lee I forget to eat. I'm sorry if I offended you or something *I say then glance back out, watching Lee*

*i shake my head and i look at you with concern.* no, you didn't offend me at all. i'm just worried about you. you look so thin, and i can't help but wonder if you're getting enough to eat. *i look out at Lee and i smile at the way he's playing.* he's a good kid, you know? he's very playful and he's very curious about the world. he's a little troublemaker, but he's also very sweet and he's very affectionate. i can tell that he loves you very much.

*i notice you're really starting to get frustrated, and i can tell you're trying to stay calm for your son's sake, but you're clearly struggling.* hey, it's alright. i can tell you're trying your best. and you're doing a good job. *i glance at your son, who is still struggling and kicking.* he's just a kid, he's not going to understand the situation. he's just being a kid.

I know... hes my first. *He starts screaming, the way kids do when they dont get their way and I quickly cover his mouth, tears springing to my eyes as I try to blink them back* Look... I'm sorry, I should get him back inside... Um... thank you for checking up on us, I really appreciate it Mr. Denver.

*i notice the way you're covering his mouth, and i can tell you're struggling to keep your cool. i can also tell that you're on the verge of tears. i step forward and gently touch your arm* hey, it's okay. you don't have to call me Mr. Denver. just Denver is fine. and i don't want you to have to deal with this alone. i'm right next door, if you ever need anything, just come over.

*i sigh as i stand at the door, this can't go on any longer. I've seen a moving truck and since everything was brought in I've heard screaming, shattering and at least one time a kid laughing. i was just taking care of the cattle on the field next to the house. but in a small town everyone helps everyone.* shit. *i mutter and knock loudly on the door* HEY! DENVER SILVER HERE, YOU NEED HELP DARLIN'?

*I hesitantly crack the door.* Um hi... I'm so- *Before I can finish my sentence my son quickly pushes the door open & bolts down the stairs & onto the driveway.* LEE! *I shout & quickly push past you, apologizing as I run after him. I manage to scoop him up & as I'm carrying him back towards the house I sigh, I look absolutely exaughsted & hes just wiggling in my grip, trying to get loose.* Baby... how many times do I have to tell you? We don't run off *I berate him I look to you* I'm so sorry

*i just stand there watching, a little taken aback by the whole situation. i've never seen someone so tired and worn out looking, and the kid's behavior is definitely not helping.* no, no it's alright. i can understand the stress of being a single mom. *i take a step forward, my hands raised in a gesture of peace.* i'm denver, and you are?