{"id":21510,"date":"2025-01-10T12:22:09","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T12:22:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/?p=21510"},"modified":"2025-01-10T12:22:09","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T12:22:09","slug":"21510","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/?p=21510","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"

It had been months since I\u2019d been here, and while part of me felt comforted, another part braced for the inevitable tension.<\/p>\n

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Coming back home was like stepping into a time capsule\u2014good and bad memories were waiting around every corner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"For<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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As I parked, I noticed the neighbor\u2019s kid dribbling a basketball in their yard. The sound of the ball hitting the pavement brought an unexpected wave of nostalgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I used to do the same thing\u2014spending hours perfecting my shot, imagining crowds cheering. Those were simpler times before things grew complicated between me and Dad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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When I stepped inside, the familiar smell of home greeted me\u2014clean floors, faint traces of Mom\u2019s lavender air freshener, and something baking in the kitchen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"For<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Mom\u2019s voice rang out before I even had a chance to call for her.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cMason! My dear boy, I\u2019ve missed you so much!\u201d Mom, Evelyn, hurried over with her arms outstretched, her warm smile instantly making me feel a little lighter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cI missed you too, Mom,\u201d I said, leaning in for a hug. Her embrace was just as comforting as I\u2019d remembered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I glanced into the living room and spotted Dad, Chuck, in his usual spot\u2014his favorite recliner\u2014watching another one of his war documentaries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The flickering images on the screen were accompanied by a somber narrator describing some battle I didn\u2019t care to identify.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cHey, Dad. I\u2019m home,\u201d I called out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He tore his eyes away from the screen for a moment, scanning me up and down like he was inspecting a recruit. His brow furrowed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cDirty boots, Mason. And tuck in your shirt. Seems all those years I spent trying to teach you discipline went to waste,\u201d he said, shaking his head before turning back to the TV.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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I bit back a sigh. That was Dad for you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Some might call his remarks harsh, but to me, they were just\u2026 normal. My relationship with him had always been complicated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Growing up, we only connected during early morning runs, boot camp-style workouts, or watching his beloved war documentaries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He was a soldier to the core, and his way of showing love was more about discipline than warmth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cDad, there\u2019s a basketball game nearby tomorrow,\u201d I said, trying to sound casual.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cIt should be fun. Want to come watch it with me while I\u2019m in town?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cTomorrow I\u2019m busy. Maybe another time, soldier,\u201d he replied, his focus still on the screen.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cYes, sir\u2026\u201d I responded automatically, an old habit from childhood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I headed to my room, my emotions conflicted. Even now, being home felt like a battlefield\u2014familiar but exhausting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The next morning, I woke to the faint sound of movement near the front door.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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At first, I thought I\u2019d imagined it, but the low murmur of voices told me otherwise. Curious, I pulled back the curtain and peered outside.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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There he was\u2014Dad, standing by his car with the neighbor\u2019s kid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The boy, probably no older than ten, intently listened as Dad showed him the fishing rods. Dad\u2019s face, usually stern and focused, was lit with an uncharacteristic warmth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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He smiled as he explained how the rods worked. He was so patient, a trait I\u2019d never associated with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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They were clearly headed out on a fishing trip.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Their gear was neatly packed into the car, tackle boxes and coolers stacked perfectly, like something out of a magazine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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My stomach tightened. I couldn\u2019t remember the last time I\u2019d seen Dad like that\u2014so calm, so kind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I just stood there, frozen by a strange mix of emotions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Jealousy burned hot in my chest. He was being the father I\u2019d always wanted him to be, but not for me.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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When I got downstairs, the house smelled of bacon and fresh coffee. Mom was at the stove, softly humming as she flipped pancakes. She turned to me with a bright smile.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cMorning, Mason! Breakfast is ready,\u201d she said cheerfully, motioning to a plate she\u2019d already set out for me.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cMorning, Mom,\u201d I muttered, sliding into my seat. I picked at the food for a moment before speaking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cI saw Dad earlier. Looked like he went fishing with a boy,\u201d I said, keeping my tone light.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Mom raised an eyebrow, then nodded knowingly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s probably Henry, Linda\u2019s son from next door. He and Chuck have been spending a lot of time together lately. They get along really well,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound like Dad,\u201d I replied, my voice tinged with disbelief.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cI know,\u201d she admitted with a small smile. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen this side of him before, either.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I stayed quiet, but my mind was racing. Why was Dad suddenly so invested in this kid? Could Henry be his son? Another son he\u2019d decided to treat better than me?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The thought stung, but I didn\u2019t share it with Mom\u2014I didn\u2019t want to upset her.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cDo you know where they went?\u201d I asked instead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cRemember the lake your school used to visit for field trips? That\u2019s where they went.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cGot it,\u201d I said, pushing my plate aside.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll take Dad some lunch in case the fishing doesn\u2019t go well.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cGood idea, sweetie. Be careful,\u201d Mom said, her tone light, but I barely heard her. My mind was already on the lake, and questions I desperately needed answers to.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The lake was calm, the water reflecting the soft hues of the midday sky. A few ducks floated lazily near the shore, their quiet movements blending into the stillness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I scanned the area, searching for Dad and Henry. When I finally spotted him, my footsteps slowed.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Dad was sitting alone on a foldable camping chair, two fishing rods propped up on the ground beside him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The chair next to him was empty, its absence glaring. There was no sign of Henry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I approached cautiously, unsure of what I was seeing. As I drew closer, something caught my breath\u2014Dad was crying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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My father, who had always been a rock, the embodiment of strength and discipline, had tears streaming down his face. He looked smaller somehow, the weight of his emotions folding him inward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cDad?\u201d I said softly, trying not to startle him. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He quickly wiped his face with the back of his hand, his movements hurried, almost frantic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cMason? What are you doing here?\u201d he asked, his voice rough. \u201cNothing\u2019s wrong. I\u2019m just fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cYou were crying, Dad\u2026\u201d I said, my tone gentle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous,\u201d he snapped, though his voice lacked its usual sharpness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I gestured to the empty chair. \u201cWhere\u2019s the boy? Henry?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dad\u2019s gaze dropped to the rods.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cHis mom picked him up about half an hour ago,\u201d he said, avoiding eye contact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cShe picked him up? I thought you were fishing together?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWe were,\u201d he admitted, sighing heavily.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cBut I got frustrated and raised my voice when he didn\u2019t get it right. He got upset and wanted to go home\u2026 I shouldn\u2019t have done that. I don\u2019t know why I even try. I\u2019m not good at this.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I took a step closer, my concern now mingling with confusion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s why you\u2019re upset? Because things didn\u2019t go well with the neighbor\u2019s kid?\u201d I paused, my voice tightening. \u201cYou\u2019ve never cared that much about me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dad flinched at my words, his jaw tightening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cYou don\u2019t understand,\u201d he said, his voice quiet. \u201cI have to connect with him. I owe it to him.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWhy?\u201d I blurted out, the question tumbling from my lips before I could stop it. \u201cBecause he\u2019s your son?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWhat?\u201d Dad\u2019s head snapped up, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. \u201cOf course not!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cThen why?\u201d I demanded, my emotions boiling over.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWhy is this boy more important to you than your own son?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dad sat in silence for a moment, staring at the lake. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely audible. \u201cBecause he\u2019s Bob\u2019s son.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cBob?\u201d I repeated, confused.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cYes,\u201d he said, his tone heavy with memory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cBob was the reason I came back from the war alive. He saved my life at the cost of his own. Before he died, he made me promise to take care of his son. Bob loved fishing and dreamed of teaching Henry how to fish, but he never got the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The anger inside me began to fade, replaced by understanding. \u201cNow it makes sense\u2026\u201d I said softly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dad shook his head, his eyes fixed on the water.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cBut I\u2019m no good at this, Mason. I can\u2019t teach him the way Bob would\u2019ve wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I placed a hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Dad. I know what we can do,\u201d I said with a small smile. And for the first time, it felt like we were on the same team as we packed up and left .<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I walked up to the neighbor\u2019s door, basketball in hand, feeling a mix of nerves and determination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It had been months since I\u2019d been here, and while part of me felt comforted, another part braced for the inevitable tension. Coming back home was like stepping into a time capsule\u2014good and bad memories were waiting around every corner. For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney As I parked, I noticed the neighbor\u2019s kid…<\/p>\n

Read More “”<\/span> »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21510"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21510"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21510\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21512,"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21510\/revisions\/21512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsx48.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}