Page 13 of Doctor Neighbor

Perfect! We'll be ready. Anna's gonna flip!

Maddie will, too. See you in a couple hours!

I put my phone away and call out to Maddie. "Hey, sweetie! Guess what? Aunt Liesle just invited you for a sleepover with Anna!"

Maddie's eyes light up. She splashes excitedly, nearly dropping her flamingo. "Really? Can we go now?"

I laugh. "After lunch, okay? We've got some time to swim first."

"Yay!" She dives back into the water, her excitement palpable.

Watching her play, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. A night to myself is just what I need after this crazy week. Maybe I'll finally have time to properly process everything that's happened—the accident at the theme park, the health inspection drama, and now Buster's constant reappearance in my life.

I push those thoughts aside, for now, focusing on Maddie's joy. We have a perfect summer morning and final weekend before she starts preschool. I intend to make the most of it.

12:38 pm

I buckle Maddie into her car seat. Her little body is practically vibrating with excitement.

"You ready for your sleepover, sweetie?"

"Yes! Can we go now? Can we go fast?"

I chuckle, sliding into the driver's seat. "We'll go as fast as the speed limit allows, okay?"

As we pull out of the parking lot, the midday sun beats down on Birmingham. The city shimmers in the August heat, a mirage of concrete and glass. Traffic moves sluggishly as if the heat has melted the asphalt and glued tires to the road.

We pass Vulcan Park, the tall iron statue against the cloudless sky. Maddie presses her face against the window, pointing at the colossus.

"Look, Mommy! It's the big man!"

"That's right, honey. The Vulcan's watching over us.”

I glance up at the towering figure, the largest cast iron statue in the world. The Vulcan has always been a symbol of Birmingham's industrial roots, a reminder of the city's history in the iron and steel industry. To most, it's just a statue, but to me, it holds a deeper significance.

Growing up, my dad used to take me to Vulcan Park. He’d tell me stories about how the statue represented the Roman god of fire and forge, symbolizing Birmingham’s strength and resilience. I remember feeling so small next to it yet somehow inspired to be strong and unyielding, just like the Vulcan.

Now, as Maddie points out the statue, I can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia mixed with determination. Life hasn't been easy, especially as a single mom running a cafe. But every time I see the Vulcan, I’m reminded of those stories and the strength they instilled in me.

We wind through the streets, past restaurants with outdoor patios where brave souls attempt to eat despite the sweltering temperature. The sidewalks are mostly empty, save for the occasional jogger or dog walker seeking shade under awnings or trees.

As we approach Five Points South, the fountain in the center of the intersection sprays a fine mist into the air. It's a small oasis in the urban heat island.

"Can we play in the fountain, Mommy, please?” Maddie asks, dragging out the eeeeeee in please, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Maybe when it's not so hot, sweetie. Even with the water, we would fry today. Plus, you’re going to hang out with Anna. Aren’t you excited to do that?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes! I can’t wait to see Anna. We will build a fort, have a tea party, and sleep on a pallet on the floor.”

I love they have this sweet relationship and can grow up together. Liesle and I were always so close. Anna is like having a big sister for her.

Our parents were older when they had us. By the time I came along, my mom was forty-one. They worked hard for Liesle. I was a surprise—and, of course, the prize child, as I would say.

Both of our parents passed away at a relatively young age, leaving only the two of us since we were in our twenties.

We continue our journey, passing by the lush green of Railroad Park. Even in the midday heat, I spot a few determined souls on the walking trails. It would be an excellent way to clear my head today if it wasn’t so hot.

Maddie's excitement grows as we near Liesle's neighborhood. She starts singing a made-up song about her upcoming adventures with Anna.

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