Athan was sitting in his seventh period chemistry class, dropped his head, and sighed, as he noticed his father sweeping up the hall just outside his classroom. It wasn’t shame that made him react that way. Athan was not ashamed of his dad. Athan knew his father was extremely intelligent. His father should be teaching the teachers and the other parents. He shouldn’t be cleaning up after teenagers.
No one gives Athan any real slack about his dad’s job. Athan is very popular. He is not the football quarterback or any traditional form of popular. A friendly and fair personality, and charismatic smile, has made him friends with the entire school, including teachers and staff. Not that Athan wasn’t physically fit, because he was. At 5’10” 180lbs and solid. He worked out three times a week and it showed. There were six sports coaches total, who each had a winter, spring and summer sport. Each coach wanted Athan to try out for their team. Athan had his pick.
Thinking about times with his dad, Athan lifted his head and smiled. He was remembering the great things his dad has done. When his Athan’s dad was young and single, he went to flight school, which lead him to jobs all over the world. Athan once overheard a conversation between his dad and uncle (they are twins). The two brothers were reminiscing about days in Cambodia flying in an apache helicopter. Athan didn't believe it at the time but over the years he has found some pictures and letters that support pieces of the stories.
Sometimes Athan’s dad would overhear him, telling his friends stories, about the days when, his dad was, flying helicopters. Athan knew his dad was meant for greater things and couldn't make sense of his dad’s job choice. What Athan didn’t know was that his dad wanted to be close to his family. This job allowed him to watch his family and see them all grow up. To be with his family (meaning Athan, his wife and two daughters as well) was top priority.
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