Joe called his father, told him that he and Suzan were no more and that he was still going to Africa for a long needed vacation. Joe didn’t mention that another woman would be traveling with him even though it was a platonic situation.

Joe’s father almost fainted when Joe told him that the wedding was off and that he was still going to Africa. Joe explained that he would leave in three weeks and be gone a month. Joes father was dubious as always about Joe’s plans. He was excited in his own quiet way but cautious as always. He was nervous about Joe going to a remote continent like Africa. Joe’s father thought Africa seemed an overreaction to a breakup. He had forgotten that the honeymoon destination had always been Africa.

“Dad, it had already been planned as the honeymoon. I’m just going on a trip that I have already paid for.” “Can you get half your money back?” “It’s all been taken care of dad.” He could hear the disappointment in his father’s voice. “I really liked Suzan Joe.” “So did I dad, but it just hasn’t work out so I’m still going on this trip to heal my broken heart. “I’m really sorry for you Joe.” “Thanks dad.”

Joe was not going to be persuaded otherwise. He told his father all about his plans in Africa and about perhaps doing a travel book. Joe’s father was disappointed about the failure of his son’s marriage plans but glad to hear that his son hadn’t fallen apart.

He never liked what his son did for a living. He didn’t see it as a real job, like building something. “Love you dad, I’m going back to work. Talk to you soon.” “Okay Joe. Talk to you again soon.

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That’s the end of Chapter 7. More to come later.

Remember, “Sunrise, Sunset,” my book of short stories and “Kazu, son of Osheda Kamasaki,” my Asian historical fiction novel are both on Amazon and Audible.