“Hey, bud, let’s focus up, okay.” I paused his tablet. I pointed to the layers of pants, socks, and a sweater on his space-themed bed. “I need you to change into these and eat. I’m going to go grab the winter gear.”
Danny’s bright blue eyes met mine. “Did it snow?”
He had been so bummed when the current snow froze over and couldn’t be used for snowmen.
“Yeah, just a little, but there will be more where we’re headed.”
Danny fist pumped. “I love snow!” He reached for his tablet.
“Not right now. We’re getting trees, remember.” I grabbed the tablet to take with me and remove the temptation.
“Oh yeah!” He nodded and reached for a sock and pulled it onto his foot.
I was grateful I had Faith’s number now; we were going to be later than I planned. I opened my phone and clicked on contacts.Iscrolled down to Faith. I pursed my lips. Should I change it to Ms. Faith instead?
I tipped my head in thought. I mean, she calls me Adam, so Faith is fine.
Right?
Adam: Hey Ms. Faith, looks like we might run a little late. It’s going to be pretty cold, so bring layers.
I checked that Danny had grabbed his pants and was getting dressed before I walked toward the hall closet. My phone dinged, and I grabbed it out of my pocket.
Faith: That’s okay, no rush. Just let me know when you’re heading my way.
The difference between Faith and Cassie was far reaching, it seemed. I texted mom.
Adam: Hey Mom, just a reminder-I’m getting trees and will be outside cell range today. I should be back by nightfall.
Mom: Sounds good. Be safe. And don’t forget to grab a tree for me too. And HAVE FUN!
Subtle mom, really subtle. I stuffed the snow clothes and extra gloves in a duffel bag to take to the truck. Mom usually came with us to get trees, but when I told her our plans to bring Danny’s teacher, she decided she might be coming down with a cold and shouldn’t risk coming along.
I went out to the truck and placed the duffel bag behind the seat and checked that we had everything we needed. Hand saw, work gloves, tarps, extra gas, and rope. Once satisfied, I went to check on Danny.
He was playing with his matchbox cars, one sock on, and no sweater.
Seriously. I sighed.
“All right, Champ, let’s focus up.” I clapped, and Danny looked up at me, startled, like this was the first time I asked him.
I rubbed a hand down my face and went and sat on the floor beside him. I put on hisother sock.
He moved his foot away from me. “No, not like that.” He reached down and spent several exhausting seconds readjusting the line in his sock so it hit the spot he wanted.
I knew better than to rush him. I learned early that it only stressed him out and made him slower. After the sock was in the perfect place, we added the sweater and boots, and I grabbed his breakfast to take with us and some extra goldfish and granola bars.
Loaded in the truck, I texted Faith we were on the way.
Fifteen minutes later, we pulled up to Faith’s little duplex. I shifted the truck into park. How was I already exhausted and it wasn’t even eleven in the morning?
Danny threw open the door and jumped out of the truck, rushing toward the doorbell.
I hopped out to follow. “Danny, only once!” I hollered as his little finger pumped the doorbell button.Great.
The door opened, and Rose Torres grinned up at me.
“Good morning.” She raised an eyebrow.
