She blushes and taps my arm. “Off you go, son. Don’t be a stranger.”
“Like you’d let me.” I wink.
While they join the line, I walk to the door, bracing myself for the cold outside. Before I open it, I take one last look at the front of the line.
Tyler is serving people. His smile lights up the room, and I think everyone notices it because they all return to their tables with matching expressions.
What really happened, Ty? What happened to us?
A rope wraps around my heart, pulling tight. I zip up my coat and walk out.
Maybe I’ll get my answers one day.
Kay comes home from school an hour after I’m home.
“Oh my god, what’s that smell?” she asks, dropping her backpack on the floor and coming over to the kitchen table.
“Chinese. Want some?”
“No, Dad. I’d rather have that thing you call a vegetable casserole that you make and even the neighbor’s dog wouldn’t eat.” She pulls one of the boxes and grabs a set of chopsticks from the table. “Where did you find it?”
“My casserole-making skills may not be to your liking, Princess Mayhem, but I can find a takeout place like the adult I am.”
She chews her noodles before replying. “You get a dad gold star on your chart today. This is amazing.”
I run the back of my hand over my forehead. “A gold star? Either you’re very hungry or seriously impressed.”
She replies with her mouth full. “Both.”
We eat until we’re both too full. I put the leftovers in the fridge for my lunch tomorrow.
“I’m going to go grocery shopping tomorrow. Is there anything you want?” I ask.
“Can I have a dog?”
I laugh. “Other kids ask for ice cream.”
“I’m not like other kids.”
“That is very true.” I turn back to where she’s sitting. “Last chance to put your favorite thing on the list.”
Her face turns serious. “I was joking…but not. Can we get a dog, Dad? My friend says there’s an animal shelter in the next town over, Chester something? They’re always looking to find new families for their rescued pets.”
I pause for a moment because whatever I say next could determine how many words my daughter will say to me over the next two weeks.
“You’ve never asked for a dog before.”
“So you know I’m serious about this one now,” she says, sitting straight in her chair.
“You know dogs are a huge responsibility.”
“Have I ever broken one of your rules?” she asks.
“Fair point. But you know those are to protect you. Having a dog is different.”
“Why are you being so difficult about it? Are you going to say no?”
Oh boy, here we go.
