God laughs at fools. That’s what dad told Billy one night when they were out in the barn. William was drinking while Billy watched and took note of what brown liquor could do to you. Another one is, You make plans and God laughs at you, William told the boy.

So what are you saying? Billy asked.

William placed his bottle of Christian Brothers on a haystack and stumbled over to his son and punched him in the jaw with a drunken right and a left uppercut to Billy’s thin chin.

Don’t get wise with me, William said. He grabbed his bottle and took a long drink. I’m trying to tell you something, Dad said. Just listen. Listen to me. I know by experience. The Lord Jehova has snickered at me my whole life. Sometimes, he cries with laughter at me. I’m a fool, Billy. Always have been. So. Watch your step in this life. Just watch it.

And he walked away while Billy lay there in the straw, listening to his pop whistle as he walked to his truck and took off.

God laughs at fools.