1.5

It was the last full day of school. Not only had Puck returned with a fat Spanish folder and art portfolio earlier in the week, but now he was sent home with the contents of his desk – a very messy desk – as we had noted during the education exposition. He has lived up to his packrat reputation once again.

On the way home, we dropped by Old Navy for his yearly summer flip-flops. And two bouncy balls from the bouncy ball machines: one for him, and one for Yali’s backpack which we’ll bring stocked with goodies to Colombia.

Puck started talking in a steady stream about Yali on the drive, asking questions.

“Are we going to let him see his mom again sometime?”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure she left her contact information with them.”

“Well, why don’t we send her a postcard?”

“Always an idea.”

“I can’t believe he’s finally coming home after all this time! I’m going to be more excited than both you and Dad!”

Puck burst back through the front door for a fruit pop. He was hard at playing ball in Eddie’s driveway in a cool late afternoon.

“Here, hon, put your hoodie on. It’s cool out.”

“Mom. I’m freezing hot!”

Half an hour later, Oxbear pulled up the driveway, home from the East. Puck came charging in for a big hug as Oxbear caught us up on a week in Philly with his co-worker (saxophonist/keyboardist from The Urge), hobnobbing with people from companies like National Geographic, UGG, and Ralph Lauren, sitting two rows back from one of the Temptations on the flight home.

Right before bedtime…

“AHHHH!!!! DAAAAD!!!!”

Puck had discovered a tick on his person. The removal was a lengthy process of moaning and wailing, until Puck finally plucked up his own courage and took a tweezers to that bad boy. When the creature in question was removed, Oxbear prepared the execution.

“No, Dad! Let him live! He just wanted lunch!”

So while Puck went to sleep a happy little man – and a braver one – Francis and Izzy drove over to charge up the old motorcycle in the garage before hitting the movies after ten. These college kids and their endless late night stamina.