Free It’s Christmas Everywhere But Here by Liam Grey

reached over and squeezed Russ’s knee. “Thinking of leaving early?”
    Russ winced, but his father’s voice held no censure. “Yes.”
    “Then you should.” Randall stood. Russ turned his head to look up, vaguely noting that Randall was wearing the new Navy windbreaker.
    “I don’t want you to go, Russ. I’d love more time with the grandkids, but you and David need some time alone, and Austin could probably use familiar territory.”
    “Yeah.” Russ rose, rubbing his hands on his jeans. “Mom’s not going to like it.”
    “Nope.” Randall ambled back toward the house, slow enough Russ easily caught up.
    “Thanks for understanding, Dad.”
    “Thanks for meeting me halfway.”
    They shared a one-armed hug, walking the rest of the way to the house in silence.
    The table was set, dinner hot and waiting for them. Russ returned Dave’s look, but with Austin willingly allowing food to be put on his plate, he didn’t interrupt to pull his husband aside.
    Doris stood behind the island, repeatedly drawing in breath like she was about to say something but then clamping her jaw shut. There was a small bowl of plain green beans ready that Austin allowed to be placed on his plate. Russ gave her a nod of thanks.
    Russ took some of everything, but his plate rather looked like Austin’s when he sat down: small portions spread out. Randall volunteered to pray, for which Russ gave private thanks. Randall kept it short and to the point of the food, leaving out the pleading of coming back to the church Doris had taken to including.
    Conversation was minimal. Russ made it halfway through the small amount on his plate before he stopped, setting his silverware down. When he glanced around, Doris was staring at her plate, and Emily was chatting with Max and Randall. Russ turned his gaze back to Doris. You are an adult , he reminded himself, capable of making good decisions . He took a swallow of water. Mom disapproving doesn’t make it the wrong decision . “I think we’re going to head home tomorrow.”
    Dave’s head came up, but he didn’t say anything.
    “Oh, Russ, but….” Doris looked lost, her head swiveling back and forth between Russ and his father. “You said you’d stay through Sunday.”
    “No.” Russ shook his head and wished he’d grabbed a glass of wine. “When we originally made plans I said we’d try to stay through Sunday, but that it would depend on how Austin did being out of his element.” Austin stared at his plate, munching a green bean bite by tiny bite. Russ didn’t for a moment think his son oblivious to the conversation.
    “He’s doing better. Right?”
    “No.” Russ sat back, arms crossed. He realized his body posture was defensive but chose to leave it that way. “He’s not talking. He hides under the covers or plays his DS. Or both. And he’s worn the same clothes the last two days. All of those things are signs of him trying to control his environment because something is stressing him out.
    “Not being home, meeting new people, David coming home. That’s a lot of excitement for him.” Russ deliberately avoided pointing out the cookie incident. Doris stared at her potatoes anyway.
    “Well, we’ll miss you, Russ, but if that’s what you think is best.” Randall too looked at his plate. Russ flashed him a grateful smile.
    “And I’d like to get home and get some civvies to wear.” Dave tugged at his fatigue T-shirt.
    Russ looked down at the nudge at his elbow. Austin’s fingers twisted in the edge of the tablecloth. “You finished?”
    The dark head nodded.
    “You sure you don’t want one more green bean?”
    Nod.
    “Can I have it, then?”
    Austin grabbed a bean in his fist and held it up. Russ grinned, biting the proffered bean in half. It got him a giggle. “Hey, don’t run off.” He twisted enough to catch Austin around the midsection. “Wash your hands. Then pick out one or two toys for the car ride home tomorrow. Okay?”
    Nod.
    Russ let him go and heard