Page 136 of One Big Little Secret

“There’s no snow?” Arlo asks, a little awestruck.

“None,” Salem says. “It’s sunny. I wore my long sleeves outside today just to keep my arms safe from getting burned.”

“Wow, like summer! In winter?” He loses interest in the weather and abruptly holds up a book. “I read this today.”

“What is it, sweetie?”

“My Inky book! He went all the way to India and he even met an elephant! I’m gonna write him a letter. You were right, Mom, he’s the coolest penguin ever.”

I can’t resist smiling as I cut in. “You know, if you’re lucky, sometimes Inky writes you back. I still have a letter from him floating around somewhere.”

I don’t tell them my mother framed said letter and I left it proudly hanging above my childhood bed until I moved out.

Of course, it’s not really a magic penguin writing kids back and helping them make friends. Until recently, it was the author and creator, Clara Marshall. I read an article that says her nephew and his wife are doing great things for reviving the brand, ensuring the famous pen pal penguin lives on for kids like Arlo.

“Tell him where you’d love to go. I’m sure he’ll write you back, Arlo,” she says with a laugh. She shakes her head. “When we get home, you’ll show me everything, okay?”

“Kay. Karate too! I’ll show you all my new moves.” He drops the phone and scrabbles to pick it up again. “Don’t tell Mrs. Gabbard,” he whispers, so close to the mic the sound distorts.

I chuckle at his antics.

“We won’t tell anyone,” I say.

“Are you coming home soon, Mommy?” Arlo asks, a slight whine entering his voice. He’s holding the phone so near his face all we can see are blue eyes. “I miss you.”

“Miss you too, honey. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“I hope so. Mrs. Gabbard wouldn’t let me have ice cream and youalwaysgive me ice cream on weekends.”

Salem glances at me helplessly, then back at Arlo. “Well, if Mrs. Gabbard says you’re a good boy when we get back home, you’ll get a little extra. Maybe we’ll even go out for it.”

“Yay!” He pumps his little fist.

“But now it’s time for bed, okay, big guy? Can you do that for me?”

He bounces up and down, looking more like he’s ready for a marathon. “I wanna stay up. Can I?”

“Do you want that ice cream when I get back?”

He considers it, his little eyes ticking like a clock.

His face falls as he comes to the inevitable conclusion.“Yes.”

“So go get ready for bed. Mrs. Gabbard will tuck you in and read you more Inky. Give Mommy a kiss.” She puckers her lips and he makes a kissing sound. “Okay, sweetie. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

“There we go,” Mrs. Gabbard says, taking back the phone before it starts spinning again. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Salem.”

“See you then. Thanks so much for looking after him.” She waves, and after exchanging a few more words, hangs up.

“He’s a great kid,” I say, and for once, it’s not a total lie.

He’s grown on me, about as much as any little hellraiser can.

For some reason, that makes her tense. I run a hand up and down her arm.

“Don’t worry. I don’t hate him anymore because he called me Grumpybutt and ruined my favorite tie.”

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