I run into Dad's room
to see what all the noise is and find him kneeling on the floor, rubbing a towel
in the rug. It reeks of vomit.
You threw up, Dad? I ask.
Must have been something I ate.
He sits up on the bed, holds his chest like he's pledging allegiance. Only there's no flag.
Y'all ready to eat? he mutters.
You okay, Dad? Task.
He nods and shows me
a letter he's reading.
Dad, was that you coughing?
I've got great news, Filthy.
What is it? Task.
I got a coaching offer at a nearby coflege starting next month.
A job? What about the housc?
What about Mom? What about me and JB? Who's gonna shoot
free throws with us every night? lask.
Filthy, you and JB are getting older. more mature-you'll manage, he says.
And, what's with the switch? First you want me to get a job, now you don't? What's up, Filthy?
Dad, Mom thinks you should take it easy, for your health, right?
I mean, didn't you make a million dollars
playing basketball? You don't really need to work.
Filthy, what I need is to get back
on the court. That's what your dad NEEDS!
I prefer to be called Josh, Dad.
Not Filthy.
Oh, really, Filthy? he laughs.
I'm serious, Dad-
please don't call me
that name anymore.
You gonna take the job, Dad?
Son, I miss "swish."
I miss the smell of orange leather:
I miss eatin' up cats
who think they can run with Da Man.
The court is my kitchen.
Son, I miss being the top chef.
So, yeah, I'm gonna take it ... if your mother lets me.
Well, I will talk to her about this job thing, since it means so much to you. But, you know
she's really worried about you, Dad.
Filth-I mean Josh, okay, you talk to her, he laughs.
And maybe, in return, Dad, you can talk to her about letting me back on the team for the playoffs.
I feel like
I'm letting my teammates down.
You let your family down too. Josh, he replies,
still holding his chest.
So what should I do, Dad? I ask.
Well, right now you should
go set the dinner table, Mom says, standing at the door watching Dad with eyes
full of panic.
Which statement best compares Josh's feelings and his father's in "I run into Dad's room"?
(1 point)
• Josh wants his father to take care of himself, but his father treats his heart problems lightly.
• Josh feels guilty about playing basketball with his father, but his father insists on continuing to coach his sons.
• Josh tries to get his mother to take his father to the hospital, but his father says not to worry her.
• Josh wants his father to stay home while his father thinks taking a new coaching job will solve his health problems.