Edward Said
“Daddy?”
Miles felt father looking down into his sightless eyes as he felt for his knee.
“Yes?” Father inquired.
“Edward said–is it true you do not spank me because I am blind?”
Father said nothing. Only his breathing sounded as Miles’ heart sank. It was true, after all. It was not love; it was because he was blind. Disabled. Different.
Father’s hand closed over his as it began to tremble. “No. Maybe because you are blind, I tried to imagine how you would see spanking the first time I tried it. Maybe imagining how confused you would be made me remember how I felt when my father whipped me. I did not want to do that to you.”
“So it is because you care about me?” Miles insisted.
Father hugged him. “Most certainly. And I promise, if you ever have a sibling, your brother and sister will be treated with the same respect I treat you with, even if they can see.”
Miles smiled. “I know.”
“So you can tell Edward, the next time you see him, what he thinks is not true.”
MIles said, “He will not believe me.”
“That is up to him. But you should tell him.”
“I might have left the gate open,” Miles said suddenly. “I did not hear it click.”
Father kissed the top of his head. “Well, go find your mother and we will round up Precious before more farmers come complaining about their goats.”
Note: Miles also appears in Down A Country Lane, Little Boy Blind, and Alone At Edgware Estate.
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Sara James
It’s wonderfully written, and it has different shades along the way when you read the story of Miles. Your command of the words and exploration of the characters is remarkable.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! ❣️
Della Driscoll
I love your writing! You have a great way of keeping the right kind of pace x
Stephanie
This is such a sweet story. I definitely want to know more about Miles now so I’ll be sifting through the other places he appears!
He Has Gentle Hands – Nin Chronicles
[…] Note: Miles also appears in Down A Country Lane, Little Boy Blind, Alone At Edgware Estate, and Edward Said. […]
Laura Sneddon
You are a very good writer. Well done on yet another good read 🙂
Jaya Avendel
This piece was a little more difficult to write so I am glad you enjoyed and its creation paid off.
Boss Babe Chronicles
What a beautiful piece of writing! You are very talented 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! I love it when my writing is enjoyed.
hermionelaake
Loved it. Not unlike Coeh!o
Jaya Avendel
I am so happy you enjoyed this little piece! I am not familiar with Ceoh!o, however. What is it?
David Wesley Woolverton
This is such a thought provoking post. The interaction between Miles and Edward has a lot of layers to analyze, which makes for a satisfying read. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
David Wesley Woolverton
Correction: I meant the relationship between Miles and Father. I apologize for that slip up.
Jaya Avendel
Aww, thank you so much! Parent-child interactions are one of my favorite things to write!
David Wesley Woolverton
You’re very welcome!
bingingonabudget
Great story, thanks for sharing. How long have you been blogging?
Jaya Avendel
I have been blogging for 13 months now. I enjoy sharing my work and am thrilled you enjoyed this piece!
In mind and out
What an incredibly beautiful, empathic and gentle interaction between father and son. Love this!
Jaya Avendel
😊 Thank you! I do so enjoy writing pieces like this one where the love between parents and their children is visible.
In mind and out
You do an amazing job of it. It’s gorgeous 😊
eob2
❤️’d it.
Jaya Avendel
So glad you enjoyed!