It has a way of talking for my father.
Whenever I ask a question, it has the negative response
waiting for me.
Like a snake coiled up in it's own spite against all things enjoyable.

It started talking for him when I was very young.

Daddy, help me ride my bike!
No.
Mommy, where did daddy go?
No.
Mommy, why is daddy in jail?
No.
Mom, who is this man in the house?
No.
Dad, I haven't seen you in a long time.
How are you?
No.
Dad, I have an awards banquet for school.
Do you want to come?
No.
Dad, my friends mom said she could smell the alcohol on you.
Were you drinking tonight?
No.
Mom, why is dad in jail again?
No.
Father, please stop yelling at me.
No.
Father, I have called you 10 times. We're at the restaurant for my 16th birthday. Where are you?
No.
Father, please don't drink today. It's my graduation.
No.
Father, your cough is bad. Please go see a doctor.
No.
Father, please be safe. I love you.
No.
Father, where are you? We found your car. We're worried.
...
..
.
Mom, can I look at father before he is lowered into the ground?
**No.