The family blew in from the
north like a chilling wind
settling upon the hot, humid
dune grass, leather sofa and
chair. Things were going to
heat up fast. They perked up,
stood at attention and walked
out to the driveway. “Hi.” “Hi.”
“Hi.” “How was the trip?” “Good.”
“Oh, I better not sit here; this
is your chair.” “No, it’s every-
body’s chair.” “Kids, calm down
now.” “Mom, he hit me.” “No, I
didn’t,” uttered with a smirky
smile. “Would you kids like a
snack?” “Sure.” “Don’t eat too
much we are taking grandma and
grandpa out for dinner.” “Okay.”
“We better get going; they’re
starting to fall asleep.” “Okay,
kids, wake up. Here we go.”
“We’ll meet you at the restaur-
ant. Dinner’s on us remember.”
“Okay.” “Hey, that was nice.
The brew pub is getting a bit
too commercial, though. I liked
it better in the old building.”
“Will success spoil Rock Hunter
syndrome.” “Okay kids, it’s
time for bed. We have to
be up early; we have a long
drive tomorrow.” “Good-
night.” Hugs, kisses. “Let’s
get a move on. Get the dog.
Oh, he just pooped in
the neighbor’s yard.”
“I’ve got a poop bag.”
“Everybody in the car.”
“Love you. Bye.” The
wind turned west and
blew out of town. With
the humid heat and the
morning sun rising, they
sat on the leather chair
and couch in the air-con-
ditioned house, sipped
their coffee and listened
to the lone call of a card-
inal in their backyard.
“Did we remember to
say thanks for the dinner
last night?” “I don’t re-
member; it was so hectic.”