'Unhappy' was not really the right word. I guess the idea of them riding off into the sunset to live the rest of their lives cured of their problems was a nice one to have, but simply highly unlikely to happen in reality. This ending fitted the whole story much better. Living with the problems, but finding a way to overcome them together and with the love of family and friends.
It was good though to see that Charlie had also emerged from his private world.
I wasn't expecting an epilogue, so was delighted to see this appear. Am not sure I'm quite so happy having read it.
But on reflection to end this way is probably more realistic than to end on a happy note. So, congratulations to you for being brave enough to do that.
Ah, but is it Tyler?
And while you're pondering that I'm sure you can also imagine a small stuffed toy.
Here you go: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=stuffed+elephant+key+ring&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Sting
I started to walk away when he spoke again.
“It won't be the first time, dad ...”
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Although I'd spoken to the kid as I passed him, I had no intention of starting a conversation with him. I'd assumed from the way he was dressed and just standing there at that time of the evening, he was looking to be picked up. I was definitely not into kids even though I was gay. Besides, he could even be a police plant – I'd heard they did such thing