“Exploring life through fiction, together.”

My kids are shy until they’re not. I’ll spend weeks where they cling to my trouser leg, then one day they’ll run off. Go play, make friends. And I’m glad. I don't want them to stick to me forever. Or enjoy persuading them to be brave.

Fiction Bite - You’ll be just fine, promise

Jenny cried for days before camp. She begged to stay, offered to clean the house, to cook, to mow the lawn, to walk the dog. We held her as she shook with tears. Dave held me at night as I shook with more.

She woke early. We had French toast. She smiled, but her eyes fell flat. We didn’t talk in the car.

Children thronged around the bus. Parents yelled while they scuttled to and fro. Jenny stayed in her seat as I loaded her case. As I emerged from the sticky hold, the car was empty. My tongue dessicated. Girls ran everywhere, melding like zebras into an unidentifiable mass. A sigh burst out as I spotted her with a clump of friends. She was giggling, eyes sparkling.

The driver called all aboard and the kids ant-filed inside. Some ran teary eyed to weeping parents. Jenny just waved and jumped on. No fuss, no tears, no hug.

I cried the whole drive home.

Quote of the Week

“There are times in life when people must know when not to let go. Balloons are designed to teach small children this.” ― Terry Pratchett.

Book recommendation - Nonviolent Communication — A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships by Marshall B. Rosenberg

Final Words

It doesn’t stop me feeling abandoned when they run off without a backwards glance. I know tomorrow they’ll probably be back with sucker-hands. But today, they jettison me with ease. My rational brain argues with my emotions. And my emotions argue with each other. I’m proud they stride out, just as I’m sad they leave me behind. They’re only little. How am I going to feel when they leave home?

With Love,

Josiah

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