Most women in my life do.
After a few more moments of self-contemplation, I dress in my gym clothes, mix up a protein shake, and grab my keys.
The drive to Blossom Peak Elementary is short and filled with Ellis’s chatter from the back seat.
“Today is Mrs. Allen’s last day,” Ellis informs me for the fourteenth time since we left the house, our hands clasped together as I walk her toward the front gate of the school.
“I know, sweetie.”
“I’m going to miss her. What if our new teacher isn’t as nice as she is?”
“I’m sure she will be.”
“But what if she’s not?” Her voice wobbles and her grip tightens on my hand.
I pull Ellis to the side and crouch down until we’re eye level, smoothing her hair away from her face. “Listen, I know you love Mrs. Allen. She’s an amazing teacher, but she’s going to have a baby, and her baby is gonna need her to be home with it.”
“Him, Daddy. He’s not anit.”
I fight the urge to laugh. “Noted. But as I was saying, I’m sure they’ve found someone just as amazing as Mrs. Allen to spend the last few months of the school year with your class. Besides, next week is spring break. We’re going to have so much fun that when you come back to school, you’re going to be so excited to meet your new teacher.”
“She’d better be nice. If she isn’t, then I can’t be nice back.”
“Oh, really?”
Ellis nods confidently. “Yeah, it’s the Golden Rule, Daddy. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.”
Shaking my head, I stand upright and lead Ellis down the sidewalk again. “You know what, Ellis? I think I have.” As soon as we arrive at the gate, I bend down to kiss my daughter’s cheek and squeeze her tightly. “Have a good day, baby.”
“I’m not a baby, Daddy. I’m five.”
“You’ll always be my baby girl.”
“Not if you have another baby.” Her eyes light up. “You should have another baby, Daddy! Like Mrs. Allen.”
“That’s…uh…”
Luckily, the bell rings before I can come up with a response.
Literally saved by the bell.
“Have a good day, sweetie.”
“Bye, Daddy!” Ellis waves at me as she skips through the gate and runs to catch up with a few of her friends.
I blow out the breath I’d been holding.
I swear, nothing can prepare you for parenthood. There’s no guide or instruction manual that tells you how to talk to them about tough topics. And of course my daughter has to be extra inquisitive. I fear for what the rest of her childhood is going to be like, especially when I can’t dodge the tough questions any longer.
My phone vibrates in my pocket and as I pull it out, I see Elliot’s name flash across the screen.
“What’s up?”
“You still coming?” His voice carries over the noise of weights being racked on bars. He must already be at the gym.
“Yeah, just dropped off Ellis. Be there in five.”
“Good. And when you get here, I need to ask you for a favor.”
