Page 5 of All of Me

Adam doesn’t say a word, just gives a slight nod. I’m not expecting any thanks. I hope he pulls himself together—for my girls' sake.

When I pull up to Sabrina’s house, the late-afternoon sun dips low, casting long shadows across the street. Barrett is already at the door, his green dragon costume swallowing him whole. The hood with tiny horns bounces as he hops excitedly, and the spiked tail drags behind him on the porch steps. His bright orange pumpkin bucket dangles from his small hand as if he’s afraid to let go of it.

I look forward to spending this time with my son every fall. Thanks to the custody arrangement Sabrina and I worked out when we got divorced, Halloween is my holiday every year, while Easter belongs to Sabrina since her family is more likely to do something fun to celebrate. It’s a system that’s worked well enough, a small piece of order in a sea of chaos when it comes to co-parenting.

Earlier, I sent Sabrina a text asking if she would like to join us for trick-or-treating. She said she appreciated the thought but wasn’t feeling well enough to come along. Even through her text, I could sense a twinge of regret. I imagine she hates missing out on this every year just as much as I miss him every Easter. Perhaps we can come to a different arrangement next year.

Sabrina steps into view behind our son with her coffee mug in hand. She doesn’t step outside but gives me a quick wave as Barrett bolts down the steps, his little legs moving as fast as they can.

“Dad!” Barrett squeals, running straight into my arms.

“Hey, buddy!” I crouch down, lifting him in a big hug. “Look at you! The scariest dragon I’ve ever seen!”

Barrett pulls back to look at me, his wide grin framed by the drooping edges of his hood. “I’m not a scary dragon, Dad. I’m a nice dragon!”

“Oh, of course you are!” I say, laughing as I adjust the horns on his hood.

He giggles, then starts chattering about all the candy he’s going to get. I set him down and share the big news with him. “Hey, buddy, guess what? Callie had the baby!”

Barrett’s eyes widen. “She did? Is the baby here now?”

“She is,” I say, smiling. “Her name is Ruby. Callie couldn’t come tonight because she’s still at this hospital.. She wanted me to give you a big hug from her.”

I pull him in for another hug, squeezing him tight. He giggles and says, “Can you give her a hug from me, too?”

“You bet I will.”

Just as we’re about to leave, Sabrina steps onto the porch wrapping her free arm around herself watching Barrett bounce with excitement. “He’s been counting down the days to this all week. Just don’t let him eat too much candy before bed, okay?”

“Don’t worry,” I reply. “This dragon will be well-behaved. Right, Barrett?”

He nods quickly, flashing a goofy smile. “Yep! I’ll save some candy for tomorrow!”

Sabrina shakes her head with a faint smile. “Thanks, Owen. I really appreciate you taking him tonight. I’m sorry I can’t come. But I really do appreciate the offer. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course.” I glance down at Barrett. “Say bye to Mom, bud.”

“Bye, Mommy!” Barrett says, waving wildly as he grabs my hand.

“Have fun, sweetie. Be good for your dad.”

After a quick trip trick-or-treating through Sabrina’s neighborhood, we head back to the truck. Barrett insists we go to the big houses, the ones with the big blow-up decorations and, according to him, the bestest candy.

Sure enough, by the time we finish Barrett’s bucket is almost too heavy for him to carry. I take it from him as he starts dragging it along the sidewalk, his tired little legs slowing down. When I pull back into Sabrina’s driveway, he’s already half-asleep in his car seat, his hood slipping down over his eyes. I lift him carefully, his small body warm and limp against my chest. His dragon tail dangles as I grab his bucket from the back seat and carry him to the door.

Sabrina opens it immediately, her eyes softening when she sees him. “Looks like our little dragon had quite the adventure,” she says quietly.

“He did,” I reply, stepping inside and laying him down gently on the couch. “He even scored a full-sized candy bar in the rich neighborhoods.”

She chuckles, brushing a strand of hair off his forehead. “He’s going to be talking about that for weeks.”

As she adjusts his hood, Sabrina glances at me. “How’s Callie? And the baby?”

Her question catches me off guard, but I appreciate it. “They’re okay now,” I say, my voice dropping. “There were some complications. Ruby wasn’t breathing when she was born.”

Sabrina’s hand flies to her mouth, her eyes widening. “Oh my God. Is she…?”

“She’s okay,” I say quickly, nodding. “It was terrifying, but the doctors acted fast. Callie’s still shaken up, though.”

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