Page 15 of Beyond Oblivion

“Think about it—the first time you got detention, got a speeding ticket, or had a falling out with a friend? Each one left a mark. Life is change, and it’s not the quiet times that forge strong men. Healing feels unsettling, even scary, as you realize the old you is gone. Learning to live this new life is like a crash course in self-discovery—figuring out how to love and live as the person you’ve become.”

“So, what helped? Because, Dad… something’s gotta give.”

“I changed my mindset.”

I blinked. That was a rare terrible answer from my dad. He sounded like Tony fucking Robbins.

Dad noticed the disappointment weighing down my face and chuckled. “What I mean is… understanding brings clarity. When you stop fighting change and start seeing it as part of the plan, it becomes less scary. Instead of fearing it, learn to embrace it—to let it shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and better prepared for whatever comes next. Just know that endings always make way for beginnings. Life’s one long string of lessons, teaching us to cherish what we’ve got—people, moments, time.”

I mulled over his words, trying to wrap my head around all that heartfelt wisdom. “So, losing Mom… what did that teach you?”

“That I could survive anything.”

I stared at the carpet, letting his words simmer.

“Son, life lessons rattle you, make you realize just how little control you have. That concept’ll scare the hell out of anyone. But what you can control is applying those lessons. To love your wife fiercely, to cherish every moment with her, to protect her and your marriage, to know that in the final moments, you both know you loved each other the best you could, every day until the last day. So yes, it changed you, but it didn’t make you weak, Trenton. You’re a better man for it.”

I wiped my eyes again, standing when Dad did. He wrapped his big arms around me and squeezed.

“I love you, son. I’m proud of you. Keep pushing through. It’ll get easier.”

“Love you, too, Dad.”

He patted my shoulder and then walked me to the door, standing on the porch to wave goodbye like he always did.

As I pulled into the street from Dad’s drive, I heaved a big sigh. He had a way of taking all my jumbled thoughts and feelings and turning them into a straight line.

I pressed my foot on the brake and slowed at the first intersection, Dad’s house still in the rearview mirror. I turned off whatever was playing on the radio, basking in the sweet sound of nothingness since talking to Dad had given my brain a coffee break from its usual playlist of anxiety and guilt.Probably union rules.A few seconds later, that stillness was interrupted by the unmistakable roar of a motorcycle engine approaching, and then revving behind me.

I rolled down my window just as Travis pulled up next to me on his Harley. “Didn’t you sell that years ago?” I asked.

Travis flicked up the visor on his helmet and patted the gas tank like it was the thick ass of his favorite hooker. “Actually, yes. But he hardly ever rides, so he lets me take her dancing once in a while to keep her limber, if you know what I mean.”

“Still the love of your life, huh?”

He grinned. “I think we all know that changed a long time ago. What’s Dad up to?”

“We just finished up with the truck.”

“Speaking of selling things, why hasn’t he put a sign on that piece of shit?”

I shook my head. “I asked. It reminds him of Mom.”

Travis seemed lost in thought for a second, subtly turning his head to the side. “I can understand that. I remember the first time Pidge was on the back of the Harley. Our first date. It killed me to sell it for that reason alone.”

“You drove like a maniac so she’d hold on to you tight, didn’t you,” I said, more of a statement than a question.

He laughed once. “One of the best moments of my life.”

“Hey… has Abby said anything about Cami?” I asked in my best nonchalant tone.

The grin melted from his face as he played back recent memories. “No. Why? She okay?”

“Yeah… yeah, she just stopped by when Liis was in town. She said it was awkward.”

“Well, no shit.”

I sighed.

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