The Most Important Thing: Stories about Sons, Fathers, and Grandfathers

Ryan lost his father to cancer three years prior and lives with his mother, Halley. One day, his mother tells him she has something important she wants to discuss with him, and they sit down together to talk. Ryan can tell his mother is nervous as she explains that she has recently started dating and met someone she wants to marry. Her boyfriend is named Ian. Ryan takes the news well, understanding that his mother needs a partner and that he needs a father, and he insists that Ian would not be a stepfather but a father to him. Ryan considers it an extremely important job and insists on writing up an ad for a “job” as his father, which Ian must respond to. Ryan’s mother finds this request strange, but agrees.

Ian applies for the job, along with two references: one from his nephew, and another from his best friend. Both describe Ian as an interesting and kind person who would make a great dad, so Ryan agrees to interview him. They meet at the library, and Ian is visibly nervous as Ryan asks him question after question. Ryan wants to know everything about Ian, from his preferences and his habits to his opinions on fatherhood and Ryan’s mother.