I've Been Deader by Adam Sifre

pumping the gas and got back in the car. Glancing over at Jeffrey, he watched the kid finally make his choice and try to feed the machine the wrinkled bill.
    "You know, the kid is right. Your mother doesn't remember what she had for breakfast, let alone her grandson. You could have gone by yourself and left us home."
    Lori dropped the People on the floor between her feet.
    Miracles do happen .
    "I'm not driving two hours there and two hours back alone."
    " You're not driving at all," Jon groused, still looking at Jeffrey. He leaned out the window. "Let's go, Jeff."
    The man inside the Stop 'n Go was almost at the door.
    Jeff kept pushing the dollar into the machine and the machine kept returning it. "It won't take my money."
    My money , Jon thought. "Go inside and buy it. Store's open," he shouted. He gave a half wave to the store manager. "Hurry up, kid."
    Smiling, Jon watched Jeff push the dollar in again.
    The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results . That's what Mr. Miller, his old science teacher always said.
    The machine took the bill.
    He may be insane but he won't go thirsty, Jon said to himself.
    The attendant was at the door now. No doubt he wanted to make sure the kid wasn't screwing around with the machine. Jon didn't blame him for being suspicious, and it was nice to know he wasn't the only one Jeffrey rubbed the wrong way.
    Jeff hit the Root Beer button, taking his chances with the unknown brand. The machine seemed to take a few seconds to consider his request then coughed up the can. Jeff grabbed it and started to run to the car.
    "And we won't be visiting again for a long time, honey. You know that." Lori placed her hand on his shoulder and leaned against him. Jon turned to her and gave her a quick kiss.
    "Sorry. You know how cranky I get over long drives." And missing football games , he thought. "Let's get this day over with and get back to the house," he said, and kissed her a little harder and longer. He felt her relax against him, and some of the tension seeped out of the knot in his neck.
    Something knocked against the car, startling them both. Jon turned his head, and Jeffrey knocked again.
    "It's locked," he said.
    Jon found the button and unlocked the door, already starting the engine.
    "And to grand goddamned mother's cell we go," he muttered and pulled back onto the road. Looking at the rear view mirror, he saw the attendant, now outside the Stop 'n Go, turn toward a mini-van which was pulling into the station.
     
    *  *  *
     
    The Visit
     
    Mother Mary's Nursing Home was located in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by lots of pretty trees and rolling hills. Blah, blah, blah. Jon hated it. He pulled into the empty parking lot and cut the engine. Lori opened her eyes and lazily rubbed her neck.
    She yawned. "Here already?"
    Jon scowled.
    "Yeah, time flies when you're sleeping."
    For the last thirty miles it was all he could do to keep his eyes open. He cursed himself for not grabbing a coffee back at the Stop 'n Go. Now he'd either have to drink the rancid brew they served at Mother Mary's and stay awake half the night, or stay dead on his feet until they got home. But at least Lori, who was responsible for dragging them out to this shithole, was well rested. Hallelujah .
    "Can I stay in the car?" Jeff was clicking away at his game, the empty root beer can nestled between his knees.
    Jon opened the car door and swung his legs out onto the pavement, leaning back with his head lying in Lori's lap.
    "No. If people let every kid who asked stay in the car, this place would be a playground. We came together, we'll suffer together."
    Lori rolled her eyes. "Please, Jon." She turned to Jeffrey, giving him a warm smile. "Your father's right, honey, at least about not staying in the car. Bring your game thingy if you want."
    Jon and Jeff spoke together.
    "He's not my father."
    "I'm not his father."
    They exited the safety of the car and made their way