Page 50 of DadBod

“Elizabeth brought this over. We’re going to read it together.”

“It’s the one about the wizard, right? I’ve seen one of the movies. It was pretty good.”

“The best, Dad. They were the best.”

“Crawl back into bed. I’ll sit here.” I point to the side of his double bed. Once we’re both settled into place, I take the book in hand. “Do you want me to read to you?”

“Um…” My little guy sounds hesitant. “I sort of promised Elizabeth that’d we read this together. But…” He slides out of bed and races to his bookshelf, returning with a book we’ve read a hundred times. “You and me can read this one.”

“That’s a good plan.” Opening the book, I ask, “Did you have fun today? With Elizabeth?”

“Oh, yeah. The game was a blast, and her friend, Jeri, is crazy funny.”

“How was your sister?”

Calvin’s suddenly quiet. I wait for what’s coming. “She wasn’t very nice to Elizabeth, which disappoints me.”

I want to laugh at the things he says. He’s disappointed? A big word for a little guy. The truth is, though, I am too. I attempt to explain some of Ryann’s issues. “She’s having a hard time. She’ll come around.” Do I believe that? I’m not sure.

Cal’s voice is suddenly quiet. “I’m ha-having a hard time too, but I’m not mean about it.”

Glancing over at my son, I see a tear slide down his cheek. Setting the book aside, I move closer and wrap my arms around him, pulling him up until his head is on my chest. I run my hand over his soft hair and do my best. “I know, Cal. I know you’re having a hard time. I’m sorry.”

He looks up at me, and the tears have multiplied. “Why are you sorry? You didn’t do anything.”

“I’m sorry you’re hurting about your mom.”

“Oh.”

“She loved you very much. I know she’s watching over you to make sure you’re safe.”

He looks up at the ceiling. “I talk to her sometimes.”

“Yeah?”

“Yep. She talks to me too. One night she sat right there.” He points to the spot I’ve taken up on his bed.

“What’d she say?”

“She told me she loved me, then she smiled at me.”

“She had a nice smile.”

“Mom was pretty.”

“She was very pretty.”

“So is Elizabeth.”

Oh, shit. How’d we get here? “She is.”

“Why does she hate her teeth so much?”

“That’s a good question.” She tries to hide them.

“I like them. They make her special.”

“I suppose they do. Have you told her?”