Chapter Six
772 Words
VI.
Herbie's Apartment
3 December, 1947
A few minutes passed and Herbie was home. With several envelopes in his hands, he opened the door and put them on the table. Then, he took a shower and cooked himself an omelette. Before he sat down and started eating, he turned on the radio.
- Honolulu, it's Waikiki News reporter Liz Anderson! Today, the whole city is shocked by the sudden death of a local businessman, Gilbert Frederich. With Detective Gerald Horwitz by my side, I'm going to ask him some questions!
Herbie thought to himself.
- Oh, for goodness' sake!
- So Gerald, tell me about yourself.
- Well, Liz, I'm just a warrior against crime! That murderer doesn't stand a chance when I'm on the scene!
The reporter laughed.
- Wow, Gerald! You sound really confident about yourself!
- Come on, Liz. I'm just doing my job! Stop flirting with me!
The reporter laughed again.
Herbie got annoyed and turned off the radio.
- Gee! Finally!
When he finished his omelette, he started opening the envelopes. In one of the envelopes, there was a letter. Herbie began reading.
- Dear Father,
It's me, Philip, your son! I haven't heard from you for so long! I wanted to say how sorry I am for everything I've done. I know I wasn't a good son. It's been too long. You probably won't believe me but I miss you. I miss you very much. My life in France is good these days. This place is different from America but I like it. It's been hard during the war, though. I had to jointhe army, too. Luckily, I survived and kept my family safe. Judith and I got married! We have two children! One of them is a little girl called Julia and the other one is Inés! You know, Inés is a common name in France. Julia is six and Inés is two! That's right! You've been a grandfather for a few years already! I'm so sorry, Dad. I thought of writing to you much earlier but I just couldn't find the courage after all I've done to you. Maybe you've wanted to do the same but you didn't have my address. Dad, I wanted to ask you something. We have enough money to come to Hawaii now. It'll be Christmas soon and I would like to spend it with you! Please,Father, forgive me. I'll understand ifyou don't think it's a good idea. Just please, write me a letter.
Sincerely yours,
Philip.
P.S. How's your work?
Herbie was shocked. His thoughts scattered in his mind.
- This is unbelievable! Philip! He's alive! I'm a grandfather and I didn‘t even know about it! I have to write him!
He stood up from the chair and grabbed his pen and a piece of paper. After a little while, he took a deep breath and started writing.
- Dear Philip,
I simply have no words regarding your letter. I'm still shocked by the things I've just read from you. After so many years, you have decided to get in touch with your father. First, I want to tell you something, son. I love you! No matter what happened between us, you will always be my son. Second, I understand your lack of courage to get in touch with me before, but son... You should have written me a letter the day I became a grandfather! It was very impolite of you to keep something like this a secret for so long! What would your poor mother think if she found out about this? Anyway, I'm really glad that you wrote me. Seriously, I thought you were dead, son! About your offer for a Christmas visit, you're welcome to come here! I haven't heard from your brother and sister for a while now. Nevertheless, it's still a very nice thought spending Christmas with my family once again!
Love,
Herbie (your dad, in case you forgot my name).
P.S. My work is fine. I'm currently investigating the murder of a famous local businessman, Gilbert Frederich. You have probably heard about it in the news.
Herbie read the letter once more with his hands shaking.Finally, he put it in the envelope. He wrote Philip's address by looking at the envelope in which he had sent his letter. A few minutes later, Herbie went to the post office and sent the letter. Even though he felt slightly miserable after so much news from Philip, he also felt happy for what had happened.
A few hours passed and Herbie was at home relaxing. After another few hours, he went to bed.
- Writer
