Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Almost There

Ah, finally almost finished with my summer online course.  I go in to take the final today.  Once I take that and finish the revisions for our final essay I will be done!  I have to admit, I have mixed feelings about it.  On one hand I'm excited to have extra free time for a few weeks until fall classes start.  On the other hand, I was really enjoying some of the writing exercises and resources that the teacher was giving us.

Since the class will be ending, I no longer have to post daily (well, almost daily) blog entries.  I would still like to keep this open though, as a way to journal and play with different writing ideas.  I can't promise that updates will be regular any more, but I think we will still have fun.  If anyone has any fun writing prompts to share with me, please post and let me know!  In the meantime, I'll get back to you all later.  I've got an exciting day of swimming and test-taking ahead of me.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Reflection


                This blogging experience was both new and exciting for me.  I had tried blogging in the past, but I had never been able to keep up any consistency with it.  I certainly hadn’t tried one for just writing exercises.  It was a lot of fun to be able to try new prompts each day.  I did come across a few bumps along the road, but overall the experience was a good one.
                The biggest problem that I ran into was remembering to keep up with the daily schedule.  I would often get busy in my day-to-day life and forget that I needed to write for my blog.  I would remember, of course, the next morning when it was too late to post anything.  I also had difficulty finding subjects that I wanted to write about.  There were several prompt ideas available through the links we were given, but it was difficult to find ones that sounded entertaining.
                Despite that, I was very happy when I did find fun or exciting prompts.  I loved being able to describe situations or explore new stories.  One of my favorite prompt types would say to start out a story with a certain word or phrase, or incorporate certain words into the story.  It was amazing to see what could be shaped from a few simple words. 
On days where my life was more exciting I even used the blog as a sort of journal, which was great.  It was a fun way to share what was going on in my life.  I have always loved the thought of recording important events; I keep several journals in different spots for whenever I feel like writing.  I would like to continue this, but expand it onto an online journal as well.  I would obviously keep my more private thoughts in my paper journals, but blogging could be a great way to share stories.
Overall, I really did enjoy this assignment.  I regret that I was not able to keep up with it as consistently as I should have.  I can’t help but wonder what I might have written on those lost days.  I hope to continue this blog in the days to come.  I hope that through continuous writing exercises I can grow in ways that have thus far eluded me.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Freewriting

I like spending time here at the book store.  The adjoining coffee shop is a little loud, but the people are all so nice that it doesn't matter.  I always know that I'll share one interest with anyone here: reading.  It is that same feeling of community that draws me to anime conventions (like the one I'm going to this weekend) or the ukulele conference.  I love feeling that I belong.  I love feeling like I don't have to worry about fitting in, because everyone around me is already a friend.

I used that word again.  "Worry".  Perhaps I do use it too often.  I cannot help it sometimes, though.  It is in my nature to worry, to stress, to be tense and uncomfortable.  I try to work on being more comfortable around people, but sometimes it is just too hard to change.  Even if I could change, would I want to?  It has become a part of who I am.  It is part of what makes me make the choices that I do.  If I didn't worry and over-analyze things, I would be a whole different person, right?

Perhaps I do need to make more of an effort to communicate with people, though.  Too often I find myself out in public, alone and uncomfortable.  I have no problem with passing conversation.  I can be pleasant to strangers around me with no difficulty.  I have absolutely no idea how to hold a real conversation, though.  It's part of the reason that I have trouble making new friends.  We have fun together and enjoy each others' company, but then the silence inevitably comes.  I don't mind the silence, myself.  I can tell that other people find it uncomfortable, though. 

The worst part is, I have no idea how to end it.  The more I think about how silent it is, the more my mind goes blank.  I search in vain for a subject to talk about, my my head just says "nope".  And that's that.  Not having anything to talk about just makes me more nervous, and it becomes a vicious cycle.  Am I the only one that feels this way?  Why is it so hard to do something that should be so natural?  I have no idea.  The only thing I can think to do is continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone and hope that eventually something clicks.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Forgiveness

The hallway was silent.  I stared at the wooden blockade in front of me.  The knot in my chest clenched tighter.  It has been nearly a year since we last talked.  What will he say when I suddenly appeared at his front door?  I raise my hand to knock, but cannot force myself to make contact with the wood.  I sigh, slowly loosing my nerve.  I glance down the hallway to my left.  My right.  There is no one here; no one will know if I leave now.

I hear movement inside the apartment.  There is no denying that he is home.  I steady myself and knock tentatively on the door.  The sound echoes eerily down the abandoned hallway.  I hear shuffling approaching and suddenly find it difficult to draw a breath.  The lock clicks as he turns it from inside.  The door inches open.  A bead of sweat drips down the nape of my neck.  I force a smile.

"Damien."

His blue eyes widen in a mixture of joy and confusion.  He motions me inside without a word.  He prepares us both a cup of coffee and I sit down on the old sofa.  The one we bought together.  It looks out of place against his newer decor.  The coffee in my cup ripples as my hand shakes.  Damien remained silent.  I wish that he would speak.  I wish that he would yell and call me all the horrible things that I am.  The silence is killing me.

"I'm sorry."  The words catch in my throat.  I don't know if he could understand them or not.  He looks down at his hands.  Slowly he stands up and claims the seat next to me.  His strong arm wraps around my shoulders.  The touch is not romantic, but it is forgiving.  For now, that is enough.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

I Am A Fish

I am a fish.  My body glides effortlessly through the cool salt water.  I emerge, my head breaking the stillness of the water.  It rolls down my neck to rejoin with the larger body of itself.  A smile plays across my face.  Deep breath.  I submerge again, letting myself fall down into the darkness.  The stroke of my arms plays out a rhythm that pulses through the water around me.  The world is muted through this glimmering pool.  The music of the water is all that I can hear.

I open my eyes to the engulfing darkness.  My eyes filter the small amount of light that has found its way here.  A small bubble escapes my lips and dances towards the sun.  It seems so alive that I send more after it.  They bob towards the surface with uniformed chaos.  A small twist of my hips gives me a view of the sun.  It shimmers and twists down at me.  The ripples play across it like old friends causing it to sway to the water's tune.

My lungs burn and I am once again forced to surface.  The sun beats hot against my naked head and my eyes squint in the bright light.  I sigh and allow my lower body to float to the surface.  I lie on my back and close my eyes.  The sun paints an orange and pink tapestry across my eyelids.  It is almost time to leave now, the real world is calling me back to it.  I dive once more.  I push against the bottom and propel myself out of the water.  A shower of tiny droplets spring out with me and fall back down.  Hundreds of ripples skitter behind me as I force myself to crawl back onto the land.  Tomorrow I will be a fish once again.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Delicious Memories


"Would it taste as good today as it did back then?  Write about a favorite meal someone used to make for you."

As a child I always looked forward to visiting my mom's parents.  "Mammaw" and "Pappaw" were always full of fun stories, endless love, and wonderful food.  My favorite meal there was always breakfast.  Regardless of what we would eat the rest of the day, I could always count on having several large breakfasts during the visit.  It could be biscuits and gravy, pancakes, ham. or my personal favorite: grits and eggs.

For those of you unfamiliar, grits is a southern dish made from hominy.  I've seen it fixed several different ways.  I've seen it prepared as a sweet desert and a salty breakfast.  My favorite way to enjoy it was introduced to me by my Pappaw.  Grits, butter, salt, pepper, and a fried egg on top.

The first time that I saw Pappaw prepare his like this I couldn't help but make a face.  It looked disgusting!  The yolk from the egg was running all over his plate and mixing with everything it touched.  He must have noticed my discomfort.  I can't remember exactly what he said, but it had the same effect as "don't knock it until you try it."  It took some prodding, but I eventually made a decision.  In what I considered to be an amazingly brave act, I broke my egg and pushed it towards my grits.  It was fantastic.  The yellow-orange color no longer mattered to me; Pappaw was right.

To this day, this is my favorite breakfast food.  Pappaw is still able to get me to try anything.  Even the most disgusting looking things I will at least try.  I've been surprised many times -- not always in a good way.  No matter how much I've set my mind on an opinion, I'm always open to trying new things.  Who would have thought that grits could teach such a good lesson?

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Place Freewriting

I am at a small lake near my old house.

I close my eyes -- my nostrils flare.  A smile flickers across my face.  Honeysuckle is growing nearby.  It's sweet fragrance perfumes the air.  I can smell the soft earthy smell of the dirt underneath me.  A breeze plays across the water, bringing with it the mixed smells of the water and the geese that live in it.  The breeze feels good on my skin.  It is cooled by the water.  The air is warm, though the shade from the tree above me also helps to mute the heat.

The soft sound of the water breaking against the shore pulses through me.  I can hear the traffic from the street nearby.  It is one of the few things that reminds me that this place is in the middle of a busy neighborhood.  One of the local geese flaps its wings.  The water flies off of its oily feathers and splashes back into the larger body of water.  Their honks fill the air as they converse with one another.

My eyes open slowly and I am momentarily blinded by the bright sun reflecting off of the water.  I blink the tears out of my eyes and look around.  The picnic table I sit at is the only place to sit on other than the grass. There are a few fisherman that chose that option.  They sit silently at the edge of the water hoping for a bite.  The geese have noticed me.  The waddle slowly towards the picnic table, hoping that I have brought them back more bread.  I cannot be the only one that does so, for they have no fear of humans.  They literally crawl over my feet in the rush to find their bread.  I laugh, but have to show them my empty hands.  One over-eager one nibbles at my fingers.  Deciding that they are not edible, the flock waddles back to the water.  I lean back and prop up my elbows on the table.  I could sit here all day.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Worn Down

There are some days that I tire of my job.

     Don't get me wrong -- I love my job. I love getting to play with dogs and cats each day. I love getting paid to do so. It is always a great joy to meet the owners in our practice and get to know them and their pets. It is so fulfilling to know that we are able to help them live happy and healthy lives. There are days, however, that almost nothing good happens.

     Euthanasias have always been a bitter sweet thing. It is wonderful that we are able to help end a patient's suffering, but there is always a great lose for those who are left behind. Our job is to take care of the pets and offer understanding and consoling words to the owners. I've always understood this. I've always known that what we do is for the comfort of the pet. Despite this, there are still days where the sad things build up on your shoulders and ride home with you.

     Today was one of those days. We had two separate Euthanasias; each one was heart wrenching in its own way. I cannot get into too much detail, but I definitely carried them home with me. I feel that even though we did everything we could in both situations, it just wasn't enough. We left one owner distraught and alone, and the other frustrated and unsatisfied. On top of the emotional stress was the physical pain of working an eight hour shift on an injured knee. I'm not sure how I injured it, but that's unimportant now.

     The whole day left me drained and in desperate need for a break. Unfortunately, I cannot have one yet. I'll return to work early tomorrow morning ready for more disasters or miracles. Perhaps tomorrow will be good enough to make up for today. That's the good thing about tomorrows, I suppose. They are a chance for everything good that you are waiting for.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Ticks and Tests

Today we had a wonderful surprise.  Rascal had turned on his belly for a rubbing and we noticed small red and black spots all over him.  They looked irritated, so I worried that he had gotten a small skin infection or some sort of allergy.  Upon closer examination however, I discovered that the black spots were not scabs like I had thought.  They were dozens of seed ticks.  I was confused at first.  We have him on a preventative, and our yard is fairly clean.
I was told that yesterday Rascal had snuck into our neighbor's yard.  My guess is that he picked them up there.  I had just discovered them when I needed to leave for work, so I left Mammaw to take care of him.  She gave him a proper back to scrub all those little bugs off of him.  I feel sorry for the poor little guy.  He hates baths to begin with, and I'm sure that scrubbing out ticks didn't help him like it any better.  On the bright side, he seemed happier (and cleaner) when I got home.  We applied an extra preventative that would cover ticks better and they seem to all be off and dead now.  Hopefully we'll be able to keep them that way.

On a slightly different note, I had to go in to my doctor's for a bone density test today.  I wasn't sure what all would be involved, so I was a little nervous.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, though.  I waited in a nice little room with a couch for a while as I waited my turn.  When the nurse finally called me, I was escorted to another room with a large black table on it.  I answered some questions for her and then she had me lie on the table.  Once we got the positioning right all I had to do was wait for the machine to finish scanning me.  I was told that I should get results back in a week or two.
Honestly, I'm not sure what the test will show.  I've been on Prednisone for three years for an autoimmune disease.  I obviously don't want to have any issues, but it would be nice if there were some other drug I could take instead.  I know that I need to be on it, but I'm worried about long-term side effects.  I guess we'll just have to wait on the test results and go from there.  Wish me luck!

Monday, July 9, 2012

What a Weekend

I had such a great time on my trip.  I really didn't want to leave, but I have to work at eight in the morning tomorrow.  It was so nice to see my friends; we really need to get together more often.
We slept in for a long time, but we had stayed up until two, so I don't feel bad about that.  We hung around the house for a while and watched Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.  I hadn't watched the show in a long time, and now I want to go back to it.  I think I have watched the first season, but I'd like to go back and watch the whole show again.
We were planning on having sushi for lunch, but the restaurant didn't open until five, so we went swimming instead.  We were only in the pool for half an hour or so before the lifeguards forced us to get out.  There were some dark clouds in the sky and we heard a couple claps of thunder.  The rules of the pool say that after any thunder there can be no swimming for thirty minutes.  There was one more sound of thunder ten minutes later, which restarted the clock.  We just hung out on the pool chairs for forty five minutes and talked.  It was nice, but the water was so tantalizing just feet away.  I enjoyed a nice ice cream cone while we waited.
Finally, we were able to get into the pool again.  We splashed around for another hour or so before we needed to drip-dry before getting into the car.  Apparently we were all too excited to get to the pool, because none of us remembered to bring towels.  After a while more lounging on the chairs we headed back to the house.  Several showers later, we finally got to go out for our sushi.  Oh my, that was good.  Between the six of us we ordered 13 rolls of sushi and a plate of chicken.  We were stuffed when we left there, but we still went to a Mexican restaurant for desert.  I don't know why.
My friend is very good at Spanish and began speaking it with the waiters in the restaurant.  For some reason this made them think that all of us spoke Spanish, so they didn't speak a word of English to us while we were there.  We were able to figure most of it out though, and we only had to order desert, so it was more amusing than anything.
After that three of us had to leave for home, which was sad.  I went back to my friend's house with him and we watched Paranormal Activity II with his roommate.  We didn't get to bed until two (again!) but we had a great time.  He also helped me speed up my computer, which was an added bonus.

Today we went to lunch at a little Greek place that had fantastic gyros.  I was able to go there with one of my best friends, who had just gotten back into town today.  I hadn't thought that I would be able to see her this trip, so it was a nice surprise.  I wish we had of had more time together, but I had to leave for home.  Four hours later I'm sitting on my couch.  It's nice to be home, but I can't wait to see my friends again.  Next time, it's their turn to visit me!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Escapades

Last night was simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating.  I left town around ten in the morning.  I didn't leave right away though; I had a few shopping stops to make first -- mostly to buy my friend's present.  I finally got on the road around eleven thirty.  The trip was mostly uneventful, which was nice.  I did stop on the way at this dirty little souvenir place.  I wouldn't have stopped at all, but I had drank a giant glass of chai tea and was about to explode.
When I got in there I could not find any sign of a bathroom, which was disheartening.  I ended up buying a little heart bracelet and asking the clerk about facilities.  He pointed me to the back of the store.  I felt kind of bad going back there because it had the feel of a storage place.  It didn't seem like somewhere I was supposed to be.  The bathrooms were marked as men and women however, so I guess they were meant to be public bathrooms.  Hidden public bathrooms.
The bathroom itself was hideous.  There were two toilets in it and no stalls.  It was literally just two toilets sitting next to each other with a roll of paper in the middle.  To share, I guess.  I didn't even wash my hands there, choosing to use my hand sanitizer I keep in my car, because I felt like that sink would make me dirtier rather than cleaner.
After that though, I had a few hours of open road and a straight shot to my destination.  I had a blast seeing my friends, many of whom I hand't seen in months or a year.  We drank some and cooked some and watched TV some.  I won't get into too many details, but it was a great time.  I didn't get to bed until almost two in the morning, but I still somehow woke up fully rested at five.  I have no explanation for this.  I'm sure I'll crash again by mid-afternoon.
Today I'm looking forward to Sushi and swimming.  I can't wait!

Saturday, July 7, 2012

A Trip

I am very excited today.  I've been planning a trip for the past week to visit a friend of mine from high school.  It's been a long time since I've seen him.  I thought for a while that I was not going to be able to go.  I only had a week's notice before the trip, so I hadn't asked off of work.  I was already scheduled to work all weekend, so I began the mad scramble to find someone to cover my shift.  It took a long time, but I finally got it covered.  I owe my co-workers a lot of favors now.  A lot of favors.  One of them is going to be working all weekend to help me out: Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning and evening.  I feel bad about that, but I am so thankful that she was willing to do it.
So now here I am, bags packed, on Saturday morning.  I plan on leaving in just twenty minutes or so.  I need to stop by Barns and Noble on my way out of town and pick up a birthday present.  When I don't know what to get someone I always give books.  It's a great safety net gift.  They also have these little "Ugly Dolls" there that I think he will love, so I will pick up one of those.
I am not looking forward to the trip itself though.  I really hate driving long distances.  Five hours is not terrible, but it's not fun either.  On the bright side, it will be a great opportunity to listen to some of my new music.  I love talking to people as company, but sometimes it's nice to just to just sing along with the music.
I'm going to miss my puppy while I'm gone though!  I know it'll only be for two days, but I'll miss playing with him every day!  I'll miss seeing my dad and sister, who are visiting, but I'll be going to see them in just a few weeks.  That will be a whole other post!
I'll have new things to write about after the trip, so stay tuned!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Fireworks

Fire flies up high in the air, exploding with a crash that makes the whole ground shudder.  I hear other dogs barking at them, but it doesn't seem to stop the onslaught of bright booms.  I'm glad that my big brother Shadow is here with me.  He looks up at the explosions too, but he doesn't seem scared.  If Brother's not scared, then maybe I don't need to be either.
My family seems relaxed around me.  They are chatting and watching the bright lights in the sky.  They call to me, but it's late at night.  I'm tired.  The explosions don't let me go to sleep, though.  I wander around the back porch trying to find a good place to lie down.  It's all the same wood.  There is no great place to sleep, much to my disappointment.  Mommy takes me up on her lap, but Shadow won't fit too, and I want to be with him.
Oh!  What's this?  There's something yummy stuck to the foot of the table here.  Pappaw had been cooking something out here all day.  This tastes like that smelled.  I will like it for a while.  My family is laughing at me now, but it tastes really good!  I will lick it until it doesn't taste good anymore.
Shadow goes down the stairs into the grass, but I don't feel like jumping down them.  I watch him with sad eyes, but he doesn't come back up until Mommy calls him to go Inside.  I go too.  Then they put something cold in my ears.  They've been doing this for a while now.  I don't like it.  It does seem to help with the itchiness, but I don't like it.  At all.  It was a little less bad this time though.  Mommy gave me some treats.  It makes it better.  Now it's time to sleep, though.  Shadow hops up onto the couch and Mommy lifts me up with him.  Zzzzzzzzz.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Gem of Knowledge


        Justin grabbed his bag and ran out the door.  If he didn’t hurry, he was going to be late to his first class of college.  He made a mental note to smother his roommate in his sleep tonight.  He deserved it after turning off Justin’s alarm clock so that he could get more sleep himself.  He decided to take a short-cut across campus.  If he jumped the bushes in front of Dean Hall, he could cut a good five minutes off his walk.  He was nearing the aforementioned hall now.  In one decisive movement, he leapt over the Dean’s prized garden.  He came up short however, and found himself lying on his back in a pile of what used to be tulips.   As he struggled to get up, he heard a yelp come from underneath him.  Startled, Justin jumped to his feet.  When he looked back over his shoulder, he saw a small black and brown puppy wagging its tail at him.  He closed his eyes with a sigh.  He was definitely going to be late now.

He continued on his walk to class, hoping the tiny creature wouldn’t follow him.  Luck didn’t seem to be with him however.  He looked back, and saw the thing trotting happily by his side.
“Go away,” he whispered, “We’re not allowed pets on campus.”

The dog sat down at his feet and panted up happily at him.  Justin looked around, unsure what to do.  He couldn’t just leave it out here all alone; who knew what could happen to it.  With a sigh, he picked up the thing - which he saw now was a boy - and stuck it into his nearly empty bag.  The puppy gave a small bark of protest, but quieted down when Justin glared at him.
“None of that, now.  You’ll get me in trouble.”

He entered the classroom, and took a seat in the back.  He scooted into his chair, being very gentle as he put his bag on the floor.  The teacher raised one eyebrow at him, silently promising a talk after class.  The lecture went fine, until Justin noticed scuffling sounds coming from under the desk.  He looked down to find that his bag was wiggling and scooting across the floor.  He moved quickly, stomping on the bag’s strap to halt its movement.  His action didn’t go unnoticed however, and the professor called him up to the front of the class.  Completely humiliated, the poor boy handed his bag over.  The professor opened it, and gave a cry of surprise as the puppy leapt out.  Justin quickly explained the situation, hoping to keep out of trouble.  The teacher smiled and patted the dog gently.
“I guess we have no choice,” she said.  “We’ll just have to adopt this little fellow as our class pet.”
The class took a vote, and the dog soon had a name; Gem.  The teacher smiled at the dog.
“Well little guy, I guess you’ll be our own Gem of Knowledge.”

Monday, July 2, 2012

Good Bye

There were so many things that I wanted to tell you.  There were so many things that were never resolved.  Despite how I may have spoke or acted, I appreciated you.  I appreciated the advice you gave, though I didn't always agree with it.  I appreciated that you always pushed me to be the best I could, even when I didn't want to be.  I appreciated that you took the time to talk to me, even when I had nothing to say.  I appreciated how you thought of my feelings, even when I was trying to hurt yours.  I appreciate how you put up with my stages, even when I didn't know I was in one.
There are so many things that I took for granted.  There are so many things I'll never get back.  I miss being able to call you when I have nothing better to do.  I miss your hugs.  I miss the way your hair got frizzy in humidity - matching mine.  I miss your nagging.  I miss your letters detailing the advice you were afraid you'd forget.  I miss your smell being on everything in the house.  I miss worrying about you.  I miss you worrying about me.  I miss having someone to call when things were going bad.  I miss calling you when I'm scared.  I miss having someone to argue with about our moral issues.  I miss your religious influence.  I miss your instinctive kindness.  I miss your ability to find every hole in the ground.  I miss watching you dance when you think I'm not.
There are days that I still cannot believe you're gone.  There are days I reach for my phone to call you, only to remember that I can't.  When the family gets together, I still look for you.  It feels like you should be in just the other room.  I don't understand how you can't be around anymore.  I am so sorry that I never told you how much you mean to me. I am so sorry that I never got the chance to say Good Bye.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Required Words


Writing Prompt 185: Write a story using the words little boy, torn page, market, and cart.

I shuffle over to the couch and plop down on the sagging cushions.  Water drips down my face from my hair, still wet from the shower.  My eyes wander down to where my little boy is playing on the worn-out rug.  I always hated that rug.  Lee likes it though, so I’ve never replaced it.  He looks up at me now, his big blue eyes still bright with the ignorance that comes with youth.  I smile back.  He holds up his coloring book to me, showing me the car that he’s colored red.  Mostly in the lines.  His little hands slip on the paper and it rips down the middle.  Shoot.  I slide down to the floor with a smile.

                “It’s alright, Little Man,” I say, taking the torn page from him.  “We’ll work on this next page, okay?  What color should the puppy be?”

                Lee has lost interest in coloring now, though, and looks at me expectantly.  I’m too tired to entertain him.

                “Why don’t we go to the market, hmm?” I ask. 

His face breaks into a toothy grin at the suggestion.  Lee loves the market.  I put his shoes on his tiny feet and we walk out the door.  It is a short walk from our apartment and the weather isn’t too bad.  The sun is a little hot on the back of my neck.  I pick out a cart from the line and place Lee down in the seat at the front.  He looks around excitedly, but does not see what he is looking for.

                “Your dad’s around here somewhere,” I assure him.  “We’ll probably see him at check-out.”

                We go to the produce aisle first.  I pick out what I’ll need for this week’s cooking.  I grab a ripe-looking peach and hand it to Lee.  The juice dribbles down his chin as he takes a bite.  I should have brought something to wipe him with.  He finishes the fruit while I pick out the rest of what we’ll need.  Lee’s father smiles at me from behind the register.

                We exchange pleasantries, but Lee claims most of his attention.  He loves to tell his dad about his day.  He asks how I’ve been.  Tired, but good.  He’s looking forward to the weekend when he gets to take Lee.  He’s planning a day at the park.  I’m sure that Lee will tell me all about it.  We say goodbye and leave.  Lee waves goodbye over my shoulder.  When we get back, he starts to color the dog purple.