I watched the two doing their public dance. The father grinned, grinned broadly at his son's response; the son flicked his head and gestured as his father turned away.
To me the father's grin was more evocative, a desperate sign now sheer physical presence was no longer enough - a recognition that he was powerless to control the new generation, that despite his investment, his hopes, his toils and perhaps tears, all he could do now was watch, explain and hope. Hope that the boy would not tear himself and his father apart.
© Farmer 26 January 1996