They went out for a coffee and then the next night went out for dinner and the next they didn't go anywhere but to her apartment where they had a massively wonderful night in bed. The sex was ... [+]
The man was holding on to the boy. First with his arm around him, then a little later linking his arm with his son's, like comrades. Finally, the father held his son's arm above the elbow as one would to lead a blind person but the son was not blind. His eyes were unfocused.
The boy arched his body away from his father's and cupped his hand to his ear, listening to a voice inside his head.
The father continued on his task, steering the boy through a store with both aisles and eyes hemming him in until he reached the check-out. The father paid for his purchases all the while holding on to his son who was now humming loudly. He now held the boy firmly, restraining him. The father's face was stony and resolute but he seemed neither flustered nor embarrassed: he was well-practiced. The man wore no wedding ring. He was alone in his endeavor.
Finally in the parking lot the father let go of the boy who whooped and jumped and skipped with inner joy.