Jason Brooks

He didn't think about who this man might be or what he might want.

Instead, he told this stranger who was not his father all about his life.

He told him about the breakup, about his last job, about how he felt like a failure, but he was determined to change things.

He spoke without stopping, feeling freer than he could ever remember.

And the man listened.

He nodded and asked questions, never looking bored or like he would prefer to be somewhere else.

When he was finished pouring his heart out, the man placed his hand over Jason's and said the words he'd been wishing to hear his whole life.

I'm proud of you, son.

Jason gulped and tears sprang to his eyes.

Silence settled between them as Jason absorbed his words.

He felt vindicated.

Maybe he wasn't such a screw-up.

Maybe his father really was proud of him.

I don't suppose... The man trailed off, looking sheepish.

Here?

No, I can't.

I just stopped in for the night.

But what if you stayed longer?

The man's eyes shone, and he wore a hopeful smile that warmed Jason's heart.

He didn't want to disappoint the man.