This is the thirteenth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, Part XI, and Part XII before continuing.
It turned out Michael and his family lived in a townhouse not even a block away from my spot under the bridge. No wonder I saw them all the time.
Michael dragged me inside, then immediately set about showing me all his favorite toys, telling me their names, backstories, and relations to each other. I had forgotten what complex lives toys could live.
Kevin went straight to the kitchen and started making dinner. I offered to help, although it was so long since I had been in a kitchen, I doubt I would have been much use.
Fortunately, he said, “You’re keeping Michael occupied. That’s a bigger help than you know. Normally he’s constantly underfoot and I can’t get anything done.”
“I like to help in the kitchen,” Michael said, seemingly unaware of the implication of his father’s statement that he was not, in fact, helpful in the kitchen.
“Right now, I need you to help by entertaining our guest until dinner is ready. Think you’re up to the challenge, cadet?”
At that last word, Michael stood up straight, one hand to his forehead, the other stiff at his side as he shouted, “Sir, yes sir!”
“At ease,” his father said. And, like magic, Michael saluted, then went back to giving me the inventory of his toys.
That was a neat trick. I’d have to remember that if I ever needed to get Michael’s attention.
I was relieved when Sam walked in the door about half an hour later, just as Michael and I were setting the table and Kevin was putting the finishing touches on what smelled like a delicious meal.
“Perfect timing, as always,” Kevin said as his wife walked in the door.
Michael ran up to greet her, and she knelt to hug him, then she saw me. “What’s all this?” she asked.
“Your husband was nice enough to invite me to dinner,” I said.
“It’s true,” said Kevin. “He looked after Michael all afternoon. Since we normally feed our babysitters, I couldn’t think of a reason not to feed him.”
“You’re our babysitter now?” She didn’t sound pleased.
“If anything, I think Michael was babysitting me,” I said.
“No, I wasn’t,” Michael said, refusing to play along. “I just wanted to know how his first day of school went.”
“And that took two hours?”
Michael fell silent.
“It took two hours for him to tell me all about the human digestion system. I feel like I’m repeating third grade.”
That made Sam laugh and seemed to put her at ease as we all sat down and dug in.
I couldn’t remember the last time I had eaten a homemade meal, but it was hard to believe anything could taste as good as that dinner did. The only thing that kept me from going back for seconds and thirds and licking my plate clean was the desire not to appear rude or make them regret inviting me.
Michael chattered all through dinner, then he chattered some more as I washed the dishes and he dried and put them away. I liked the kid, but I had to admit, I was ready for a break as I thanked them again for dinner and prepared to see myself out.
“You should sleep here, tonight,” Michael said.
I sighed. “We talked about this, buddy.”
“But you’ve been here for hours and never yelled once.”
“All the more reason to quit while I’m ahead. I don’t want to press my luck.”
Sam said, “Michael, is your homework done?”
Michael looked down at the floor and didn’t answer.
I remembered Kevin’s trick from earlier, and I stood ramrod straight as I faced Michael and did my best impression of a drill sergeant as I said, “On your feet, soldier!”
Michael responded as before, standing up straight and putting a hand to his forehead.
“A good soldier always finishes his homework, does he not?”
“Sir, yes sir!”
“Are you a good soldier?”
“Sir, yes sir!”
“Then hop to it!”
Michael saluted before running to his backpack. I waved once more to Kevin and Sam who were hiding smiles behind their hands, then I saw myself out.
To be continued…