For this one: You must put a crucial decision in your child's hands.
MISSION (any gender, early thirties to early fifties)
They want me to start the mission in September. I would probably be around for your first week of school. I know 6th grade is a big step. It was for me, anyway. I'd like to be around for that. Make sure you're settling in alright.
But, yeah: After that, they need me to be at the base. Inspect the vessel and then... and then it's off to find a place they only tell you about in legends. But they think I can actually find it. I've been obsessed with this place since... ha!... you'll get a kick out of this... I think I started obsessing about this place since 6TH GRADE. That's kinda, like, INTERESTING isn't it? Ha! Kinda, kinda, kinda brings everything full circle-- I--
Ah... (fuck).
I'm sorry, I shouldn't say that word... it's just... look at me: I'm a... I'm a JERK. I'm trying to sell my daughter on the idea of abandoning her for at least two years. Maybe more. I might not even make it back. The odds are... I dunno... yeah... I shouldn't bullshit you.
Honey, you see, when I started the research, it was before Morgan and I got TOGETHER, before we had YOU, before... you know. And Jess really does love you like a daughter and I know you would be in great hands, and, and, and, maybe me being a good parent is being a good role model: Being true to MYSELF and following MY dream-- NO! NO!
...no...
Look, I'll just ask: Do you need me to stay? It's really okay if you do.
It's not fair to put this kind of choice in your hands, kiddo, but... I don't know how to navigate this one.
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes. If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"