She asked:Â “What time do you have to be in formation tomorrow for the parade?”
He said:Â “The parade starts at 10:30, they want the marching band on-site at 10 a.m.”
She said, “Okay. There’s time between church and the parade then.”
He said, “Oh, that reminds me. We have to be at church at seven in the morning.”
She said, “Church is at eight.”
He said, “I know, but Terry and I have to practice. We’re doing an organ-trumpet duet in the service tomorrow.”
She gave him that look, and said, “You know I made you brownies?”
He looked a little confused by the change of subject, but said, “Yes, and I’d love one with some vanilla ice cream.”
She said, “Well, I wouldn’t have made them if you’d have told me this earlier!”
He laughed.
“So,” She said, “Church at seven, parade at ten, the community band immediately following, and then home to the block party?”
He said, “That’s about it.Yes.”
She said, “It’s Independence Day, honey, and you signed up to be a slave.”
He shrugged and fidgeted a bit, “You know I like to help out.”
She said, “They already made church an hour early because of the parade, then you made it an hour earlier, and I have to stay up late to watch the fireworks.”
He asked, “Have you ever heard of naps? You could always take one, you know.”
She said, “Yeah, and the party in our front yard won’t bother me a bit, will it?”
He said, “I don’t know. The bedroom is on the other side of the house.”
She gave him that look and changed the subject. “Are we going to the labs to watch the fireworks?”
He asked, “Why? Do you really want to? I might be too tired.”
“Oh,” She said. And then she asked, “Do you want a brownie and some French Vanilla ice cream?”
He looked surprised since He’d already answered that question, but happily answered, “Yes. I would.”
And she said, “Tough!” Then walked away mumbling, “Church at seven a.m., no fireworks …” And her voice kept getting louder. “It’s Independence Day not National Exhaustion Day!”
~*~
Amoeba and I hope that you and yours have a wonderful day!
Once upon a time I lived in a land I was unquestionably proud of. The National Anthem would play and I would stand with my hand on my heart, my head held high, and tears in my eyes. I truly believed that truth and justice were the American way. My eyes have been opened to unhappy truths. Questions have been raised. Some of them have ugly answers.