The Bear

It was the summer of 1997. It was shockingly warm. Usually in Texas it's burning hot. Thankfully I could give my AC a break and have it off. I was getting dressed for work when I heard the phone rang. I quickly rushed to the phone and picked it up. The moment i picked it up the person hanged up. I thought it was wrong number so I went back to getting dressed. I looked at the time and grabbed my backpack. I dashed quickly out the door.
 A few hours passed as I was finishing up my dreadful shift. I thought I'd check my cell phone for any text messages. I saw I had an unread text message. I opened it up to see it was from a number I didn't know. I narrowed my eyes in confusion as I read the text. It said, "I miss u". I texted back asking, "Who is this?" I stood there waiting for a response for a few minutes but, a customer needed my attention. So, I quickly put my cell phone away and attended to the customer.
 I finally finished my shift after an hour. The moment it was over, I pulled my cell phone out to see the mysterious person didn't respond still. I sighed as I slid my phone back into my pocket.
I got home at a decent time. Being so exhausted I immediately crashed on my couch. I was so tired I fell asleep. I had a strange dream, I dreamt an old bald man was smiling at me and telling me to come with him. This repeated for God knows how long until I woke up. I stretched my arms as i looked around the darken living room. I turned my attention to my phone. I notice there was a message. I pressed play and leaned back on the couch's arm.
 "Uh...Hello Michael. It's been a while but I was hoping we could grab a coffee tomorrow at 3 P.M. to catch up. Please meet me at Oakwood Drive 1537 street at the Vanilla cafe." I looked confusingly at my phone. I thought to myself it was my uncle who I haven't spoken to in years. I had doubts it was him though. I thought it be best if I didn't go. I didn't want to risk it and a psychopath be waiting for me. I went back to bed having that voice being stuck in my head. I swear I heard it before but I couldn't put my finger on it.
 I woke up and looked at the time. 2:30 P.M. I had a moment of thought to go to the cafe but shrugged it off. I went about my day. I came home late and saw a present and a note on my doorstep. I raised my eyebrow. I slowly kneel down to the letter. I opened it and gasp.
 "Dear son, I'm sorry I wasn't there throughout the years. I completely understand if you never forgive me. I just wanted to tell you that I love you so much and I always thought of you each and every night. I left because your mother and I didn't get along very well. She kicked me out one night and told me to stay away from you. I shouldn't have listened to her and fought back but I was 20 at the time. I thought this be my only chance to live a fun life. But, it was never fun. I dealt with being shot, having a failed marriage, finding out the "the love of my life" aborted our child, and most recently finding out I have lung cancer.
 I don't have much to live. Infact, I'm passing away tomorrow. I don't want you to see me, I don't want to hear from you. These are my death bed last words to you. Never have another thought of me not loving you when I do. Even in the afterlife I will love you forever. I'll be there for once. In spirit and in mind. Please cherish my present forever. Goodbye, Michael. Love you always."
 I stood there tearing up. I looked at the present. I quickly bent over and swiftly unwrapped the present. I saw a teddy bear with a heart on it's stomach. I was weeping heavily as I wrapped my arms around the bear, tightly holding it to my chest. I mumbled, "I love you too Dad. I'm sorry".