A Couple Stops on the Map

CardGals: Episode 13: cardgals.tumblr.com

Puck was organizing his scented markers after breakfast.

“I’m leaving this raspberry one for Snicky. He’s gone all week on a ski trip. But he said he’d trade his blueberry one for this raspberry one when he gets back. We shook hands on it, so it’s official.”

Mayberry.

These scented markers are in high enough demand that one of the boys felt inclined to reward Puck with the title of “second best friend” upon the gifting of one said marker.

We talked.

After podcasting, chicken strip baskets, and Puck picked up from school, we found ourselves with Carrie and Mom at the Rye’s temporary residence in Chesterfield. Both Rye boys were excited to see Puck for an hour. Hugs, rapid conversations, drawing pictures together.

“Does this toy scare you, Puck? It’s like a ghost.”

“Well, dude, I hate to break it to you, but ghosts don’t exist. You know that, right?”

“Yes. Well, Puck, I don’t think you’re afraid of anything except snakes and dark.”

“There’s actually quite a few things I’m scared of, but I’m not scared of toys.”

“Puck, you know what? How about we draw a picture by Puck and me?”

Puck was thinking carefully, trying not to offend. “Or, I could find you your own piece of paper.”

“But, Puck, do you know what? You could draw a rocket ship on my paper. And then I could draw stars on your paper and all black for the sky and leave holes for the planets.”

I think they finally came to an effective compromise. Until they began taking turns “locking” each other in the bathroom.

An hour later Puck was finishing a math test at the kitchen table while Carrie made bacon sandwiches for dinner.

“Mom? What’s fifteen minus eight? Is it eight? Tell me if I’m warm.”

I left Puck watching “Johnny Quest” with Dad in the living room while the rest of us kids (minus Rose, shopping in Old St. Charles with friends) attended the premiere of Izzy’s capstone film project at Lindenwood. German and Charlie also joined. Somehow these little kids from the old days are all now in their 20s.

After some nice cinematography, Izzy joined the line of film students at the end for a little Q&A, having successfully kept the audience second-guessing his ending.

As we left, Joe and Francis chased each other across the parking lot bounding like cartoons through the night air.