and gives Mama Alice
a small peck on the cheek.
It’s not like the kisses or embraces
they used to share
but it’s an improvement.
Anyway, Mama Alice starts,
Junie has a newfriend.
The one from last night?
Uh-huh, I say, taking a big sip of coffee.
She seemed very nice.
How did those photos turn out?
Oh, Mara, you have to see them.
So stinkin’ cute. Junie, show your mom—
Before Mama Alice gets any further
I’m up from the table
and putting my dish in the sink.
Gotta shower!I say.
And you both need to get dressed.
We’re picking out a tree today
remember?
How could we forget!Mom says.
You’ve only been talking about it
since the day after Thanksgiving.
’Tis the season!I say
heading down the hallway to my room.
I close the door
on their laughter
and smile.
I’m glad they’re back to being silly
with one another again.
