Divergence

Charlie had seen the world differently for as long as he could remember. He’d been diagnosed with Autism and Learning Disabilities at a young age. His mothers death broke him. He wasn’t sure how to process it. Everyone knew it’d been hard on him. It was something he’d struggled with talking about during the group therapy he’d been placed in during school. The other kids helped him through it. He let them know how much he appreciated them doing it. He didn’t feel as alone. He still felt left out in some ways because of his Autism and Learning Disabilities. 

Over twenty years had passed since her death. He’d been diagnosed with a genetic disorder. His Autism, severe Social Anxiety, Learning Disabilities, as well as his speech and communication issues that made far more sense. It was basically everything that came with the genetic disorder. He hadn’t found a community to help him through what he was now experiencing. All research he found had been done with kids. He wasn’t so sure there was a community for Adults with the genetic disorder. He knew he’d find one though. He knew he’d likely make one if nothing else. He knew there needed to be one if there wasn’t one already. 

He’d left home after a disagreement with Owen. He wasn’t too shocked that his own dad would kick him out. He’d seen it coming. He’d been highly observant of Owen’s recent behaviors. He’d packed everything he never used. He’d donated everything else. He’d spent more time with friends rather than at home. He’d become an openly Trans Man. He’d not said a word to Owen knowing he’d never understand. He’d never accept Charlie as his son either way. Owen kicking him out had been a result of Charlie telling him things he needed to hear. Things he didn’t want to hear. 

Owen’s health issues after Charlie left him in the hospital. It led to the Dementia diagnosis. Everyone but Charlie was shocked. He’d known for a while. Nobody had believed him until the diagnosis while he was in the hospital. Owen, as usual, hadn’t dealt with everything. He’d lied and downplayed everyone on top of everything else. It didn’t help that he hadn't been listening to the Doctors he saw on a regular basis. He’d been lying to them as well. They’d gathered in his hospital room and told him they were going to collectively discontinue his care if he didn’t start being more truthful with them. They’d asked Charlie to be there when they shamed Owen. He refused. He had gone on with his life. 

He’d made a decent life for himself in Miami Beach. He’d taken a Dishwasher job, gotten a studio apartment nearby and was living his life as an openly Trans man. He made friends that love him for who he is. A boss that accommodated him. A life he was far happier living. He’d let everyone back home know they could deal with Owen after he was transferred to the Assisted Living Facility. He’d gotten rid of everything he knew neither one of them would ever use. It would be easy work to pack everything up and take it to the ALF. People were shocked he’d said that. Charlie didn’t care. He wanted nothing more to do with Owen. Owen had burned the bridge leading to him. Everyone accepted that and did what he suggested. He went on with his life after that.