I Want You to Know This
I was woken to multiple little kisses all over my face that morning, like a tiny nibbling fish. Yali. It must have been his way of saying, in not so many words, “Mama, I’m really sorry I woke you up again at 1:48 in the morning when I ran in here to jam my feet into your ribs and hog your pillow for the rest of the night. You love me, I know it!”
In other news, Elmer and Jaya had now officially been married for two years.
Between volunteering in the office one last time for the 2015-16 school year, and returning to Yali hanging out with Gloria for the day, I stopped at the store for some supplies. While I picked up a couple of five-dollar shark t-shirts for Puck – the kid has grown out of just about everything lately – I listened to a nearby conversation between a young boy about Puck’s age and his mom.
“Church is just a waste of time.”
“Excuse you?”
“Well, for me. I mean, if you don’t even know if it’s true, what’s the point?”
“Well, what about for all the people who do believe it’s true?”
“That’s fine for them. Just not for me.”
They teach ’em young these days.
On the drive home that afternoon, my phone buzzed with an Amber Alert. Puck wanted to know all about that and what it was. Then he had thoughts.
“If anyone tried to kidnap me, I’d whack ’em with a pan. Usually I’m a normal kid, but when I become hostile, you don’t want to mess with me. If someone tried to kidnap Yali, I would become hostile.”
As we pulled into the driveway, Puck was inspired to continue his speech.
“Yali, I want you to know this. I know you won’t remember when you become older, but I want you to understand this. I would never hurt you on purpose. I want you to know that. You’re my brother. You’re my own flesh and blood. You’re my own brother. Yali, look at me. I want you to know that I would NEVER hurt you, NEVER hurt you on purpose. I want you to remember that for years and years, okay, buddy?”
We took another walk before dinner. As Puck power peddled circles around us, he pointed out various observations.
“See that old-fashioned house, Mom? That makes me feel warm and cozy inside. … Mom? Have you ever noticed how our neighborhood is shaped like a butt?”