Daddy Parker's Arc

Chapter 4 of 10

Daddy Parker left the showcase grounds with the ride still warm in his mind. Racum's laugh stayed with him. He had five slots left to fill, and the day was slipping. He drove into town and parked near the bright awning of the small grocery store. A chalkboard sign leaned by the door, listing the daily specials. That was when he saw Farmer Fred step out, hauling a sack stuffed with milk cartons. Six, maybe more, poked from the top. Bags of bread hung from his other arm. Daddy Parker watched him load it all into a dusty truck. No kids tugged at his sleeves. No wife waited in the cab. "Fred," Daddy Parker called, walking over. "That's a lot of milk for one man." Farmer Fred set the sack down. "Not for me. I feed a strange crew. Half-veggie folks. Loud rock players who eat like wolves. I built a long table out back. They show up. I cook." He shrugged. "I'm not the right man for it. I'm just the one standing there." Daddy Parker felt something settle. He pulled his list from his pocket and uncapped his pen. "You're Father Number Two," he said. Farmer Fred blinked, then gave a small nod, like he'd been chosen for something he didn't quite believe but wouldn't refuse. Four slots left. The day pressed on, and the bill at home pressed harder.