Blades of Steal

Puff has daddy issues. As I get to know him more, the void that has been created by his father becomes more apparent. Initially, I didn't get why he smoked a lot of weed. Three years later, his need for weed makes a lot more sense. It's literally his release. Like the problems that he has encountered through life, Puff takes in all the smoke then slowly releases a cloud into the atmosphere. Although the cloud disappears, the evidence remains in his eyes.

To Puff's credit, he wants to be a better man than his dad. That's why he's in school. Someday, he wants to work in a major financial district. He loves numbers. Math is fun for him. After initially taking classes as a General Studies major, Puff declared Business Administration as his major. Although he loves children and works really well with them, the allure of making a lot of money is too difficult for Puff to pass. Unlike his father, he wants to make a lot of money legally.

A few days before the school year started, Puff stopped by my office to talk. This was unheard of a few years ago when we first met. I spent an entire school year trying to figure him out, but he wouldn't let me in. Years later, after taking some time off from school, Puff was willing to share more with me. I think he finally realized I was a good guy. It could also be that he finally learned how to relate to a man.

Me: Welcome back! Second time around, man. You ready?
Puff: Yeh coach. It feels good to be back. You still doing those early morning practices?
Me: That was three years ago. I'm all set with that. It was a bad experiment. Let's just say that. haha
Puff: Oh good! I couldn't mess with those no more. I used to wake up at like 6 to be ready by 645. That was rough!
Me: We practice in the evening now. No need to worry about that.
Puff. That's what's up.
Me: How's the family doing? How's your dad?
Puff: Enh. Not good, man.
Me: He okay?
Puff: I mean, he's locked up. He been locked up since I left here.
Me: What happened?
Puff: Okay, so one night a news crew shows up at the crib and I'm like what the hell is this?!?!
Me: Damn. What did he do to get on the news?
Puff: He robbed a convenience store at knife point!