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ALL THE LITTLE LASTS

DECEMBER 2021 – 32 YEARS OLD

Ilean into the back seat to press a kiss to Mabel’s forehead, another kiss to her doll. And even though she’s strapped in, she does her very best to lean out the open car door to wave at Duke.

“Bye Duke!” she yells. “I’ll miss you.”

“Hey!” Memaw whips her head in Mabel’s direction, breaking off whatever conversation she’d been having with Faye. “What about me?”

Mabel giggles. “You too, Memaw.”

“Alright, princess, I’m closing the door before you freeze.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

“I love you,” I tell my daughter, with one last kiss to her forehead. Then I close the door, shoving my hands into my jacket pocket as I head toward my wife and mother-in-law. Candace maneuvers a shivering Duke into the open gap of her jacket. She’s started grabbing Duke on the days where she’s home alone. Sometimes, she even takes Duke into Foster’s Gear and Guides with her. She likes the company and I figure Duke prefers her company over Milo’s conditional affection.

The cat is an old ball of piss and vinegar, but he loves Faye, so I love him.

At least when I’m gone, she’ll never truly be sleeping alone. He’ll be there…

He’ll comfort her.

“Owen’s still inside?” I ask.

Candace shifts her eyes to the front door. “He was putting his boots on when I was grabbing Duke.”

Faye sighs. “He’s been dragging his feet for school this last week.”

“He’ll be going for Christmas break soon.” Candace snuggles Duke closer. “I better get this guy inside before he turns into a puppy popsicle.”

Faye turns to me. “I’m going to take Mabel to daycare. You’ve got Owen?”

I dip my chin, stealing a quick kiss. “I’ve got Owen.”

“Thanks.” Faye tosses her mom a small wave as she hurries to her SUV. Behind the wheel, she blows me a kiss and then they’re gone.

I enter the house, finding Owen sitting on the stairs. “What’s up, bud?”

“Nothing.” Owen slides his backpack onto his shoulder.

“Hey.” I stop him from walking out the front door with a hand in his chest. “Talk to me.”

“I just don’t want to go.”

“This is new. Did something happen?”

“Nope.”

I think about pressing him. About digging to find the root of whatever has upset him and plucking it out.

Instead, I say, “Well, then let’s skip.”

His eyes lift to mine and they’re full of hope. “Really?”

“Yeah, really. Let’s go skiing.”

A grin splits his face. “Yeah.” He bobs his head, and there’s excitement in his eyes. “Let’s do it, Dad.”