“Okay, it’s been a rough day for me, and I can use the downtime,” said Mike.
Hazel finished cleaning up in the kitchen and went to join the guys in the living room.A movie with gunmen was on the screen.
She frowned and said, “Hey, no violence.Let’s watch something different.”
“Sorry,” said Mike.“It’s not bad.The show is almost over, and we want to see the rest of it.Right, Jed?”
“Yeah, it’s a cool show.I’ve never seen it before,” said Jed.
“Of course not,” grumbled Hazel.
Mike gave her a questioning look.
Aware there was no option, she sat down with them for a satisfactory ending.While the show was interesting for her as an adult, Hazel thought it was something Jed didn’t need to see.She gripped her arms in front of her and stewed.
When the show ended a few minutes later, Hazel said, “Okay, Jed.Time for a bath and then bedtime.”
“Lisa doesn’t make me take a bath,” said Jed.
“Uh, I think you should know that Lisa and I have already discussed the need for you to have a daily bath.So, let’s do it,” said Hazel in an upbeat tone.
“Awww…okay,” said Jed.He ran to his room.
“What’s the problem with the show?”Mike asked.
“Violence desensitizes children.Their brains are still developing until they reach their twenties or so.Watching something like that show is considered dangerous to them.Something I learned when I was teaching,” said Hazel.
“I’m sorry,” said Mike.“It won’t happen again.”
Jed appeared in the hallway.“Are you coming?”
“I’ll get the water going.You grab your pajamas,” said Hazel pleasantly, determined to get this visit off to a proper start.
Jed left them again, and Mike turned to her.“Maybe this once, he could’ve gone without a bath.”
Hazel shook her head.“No,” she said in a firm tone.“We have to keep to a schedule.”
“Don’t be a hardass,” said Mike with a seriousness she couldn’t deny.
Not wanting to get into an argument, she let the comment go.They were both new to this parenting thing and were trying to do an outstanding job.
“Do you want to check on him?Maybe you should see that he has what he needs,” said Hazel.
“Sure,” said Mike agreeably, and Hazel relaxed a bit.
A short while later, Jed emerged from the bathroom wearing his pajamas.His face shone from a thorough washing.
“Okay, time for bed,” said Hazel.“Would you like to read a book before we turn out the light?I’d be glad to read to you.”
Jed shook his head “Maybe tomorrow.I’m tired.”
“Okay, then,” said Hazel, “let’s get you settled in bed.Did you see the tennis teddy bear I placed there?That’s to make you feel comfortable here.”
Jed bit his lip.“Yeah, I like him.”
Hazel and Mike walked Jed to the bedroom, and while Mike stood by, Hazel tucked Jed under the light covers.
“We’re very happy you’re here with us,” she said.
