8

Top Secret

It was quite liberating to let him know my dad was just a driver. That his job was chauffeuring around his rich bosses. It was something I've hid from friends for 30 years of my life. I felt light, in that moment. I was a bit nervous when this came up in conversation but I was just drunk enough to let it out. He was nice about it. I think it's because he's a nice man that I was comfortable enough to let the truth out.

Why did I lie to everyone for 30 years? Why could I never tell friends? Perhaps, I was embarrassed. But, how does a kid learn about socially embarrassing jobs that a parent could have? I was afraid of being ridiculed or outcast by my peers in school.

He said I'm a self-made man. I don't think I am. I don't think anyone really is. I owe a lot to the education that mum and dad provided for me and all the wonderful people I met who taught me so much about the world. He was the first person to whom I'm revealed this. Revealed, like I still assume it to be some sort of top secret. It's ridiculous and cathartic. It doesn't fucking matter what my mum or do and anyone does for a living as long as they are good human beings.

Thanks, mate.