Twelve-Pack
Some faulty miscommunication between Rose and Puck ended up with a communion plate of bread cubes turned upside-down on the carpet. El Oso and Rose began the process of scooping the desecrated pieces back into the plate while Puck clapped a hand over his mouth, forcing down the laughs. I guess Rose was concerned they would still keep passing the plate after the fact.
“We can’t give them floor bread!” she whispered loudly back to El Oso.
Fortunately when the wine came down the row next, Rose manhandled the situation before Puck’s paws came into the equation. Puck agreed.
“That would be a disaster!” he acknowledged as he watched the cups pass by.
Joe and Jaya were also back. They and Rose shared stories of jellyfish stings and Blue Angels over bowls of Carrie-Bri prepared sausage-kale-potato soup and yeast rolls with butter in a crammed table also hosting Ricky and Cherry. Carrie had convinced Cherry to let her dye her hair, red tones, sort of like a “red sky at night, sailor’s delight.”
Movies surfaced in the discussion ring.
“Well, it couldn’t be as bad as Shark Tornado,” Dad had commented.
“It’s Sharknado. Dad. Get with the program.”
“Yeah, Dad! You’re embarrassing me!”
Alton, Illinois. Old Victorian river town bluff neighborhood, a green park by a mansion. The kids called out which places they were sure were haunted on the drive in. And a foot race for the boys up the green hill. It’s becoming a tradition. Francis came in first, like a tank, then Joe, Dad, and then Puck didn’t quite make it all the way up. Although we decided Dad probably would have made second if not for the jeans and boat shoes.
We skipped the bakery on the way out.
“No, the people we terrorized at the park are in there. Let’s keep moving on.”
“We always terrorize people at the park.”
If the boys will find a way to mis-use and abuse playground equipment, it happens every time.
Krispy Kreme instead. And Francis had an announcement to make.
“I’m going to grow a beard.”
The family parted ways in packs for various evening activities. Francis – after receiving a full family critique on his wardrobe – exited for a birthday party with Zuni. Joe gave him some light parting advice.
“Don’t do drugs!”