Page 23 of One Sultry Summer

“He’s doing fine now; he’s getting some sleep.”

“That’s good to hear. Is there anything I could do for him?”

“Could you please have one of the staff members bring up some soup and water later?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Why don’t the three of you run off to watch the parade? I’m sure you can get a good spot. I’ll check on Mr. Appleton periodically.”

“There’s no need to do that, Mom.”

Before I could speak further, I was cut off by Valerie.

“Thank you, Abby. I appreciate you looking after him.”

“As I was saying, he’s sleeping right now. All he needs is rest and plenty of fluids so he can fight this virus. I called the pharmacy, and they will be bringing him some over-the-counter medication to help alleviate his symptoms along with some electrolyte drinks for the dehydration.”

A wide smile lit her face. “Thank you, son, for taking care of him.”

“Just doing my job, Mom.”

She padded my hand. “I know. Now, go on and have some fun.”

“Emily, are you ready to go?”

“I was born ready!” She said with excitement. I reached down to take her hand, just as she reached out with the opposite hand to take Valerie’s. We walked out of the inn and started walking towards downtown.

Emily skipped down the sidewalk like she didn’t have a care in the world. I, on the other hand, still felt torn that she didn’t have a mother. A mother who could tuck her in at night and give her kisses and read bedtime stories. Someone who could bake cookies with her or kiss the boo-boos when she injures her knee or elbow. Being both mother and father is difficult at times, but I’d do anything for my child. Sometimes, a little girl just wants her mom to do things with, and not her dad.

“Daddy, there’s lots of people.” My eyes scoured the streets, looking up and down trying to find an open spot where we could sit.

“Sorry, honey. I think everybody else in townhad the same idea coming early to get a good spot.”

The downturned smile on Emily’s face caught my attention. She was heartbroken, and I was to blame.

“Hold on, I’ll be right back,” Valerie said and released Emily’s hand.

After a few minutes, Valerie waved her arms getting our attention. I watched as two teenage boys got up from the sidewalk from where they were sitting. There was just enough room for the two of us to sit, with Emily on my lap.

I picked her up and walked through the crowd so that we could reach Valerie.

“How’s this? Will it do?”

“Whoa! From here, I can see everything!”

“These are great, but how did you manage them?”

“Let’s just say I’m good at negotiating.” There was a spark in her eyes that was fascinating, but it was nothing compared to seeing theexcitement written all over my daughter’s face.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” We sat down and waited patiently for the parade to start. Vendors with wheeled carts walked down the parade path selling cotton candy, popcorn, balloons, and bright neon pinwheels. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh snacks and the cheerful chatter of excited children.

Hopefully, our small-town parade, with its radiant and joyous colors that bring our town together, will demonstrate that we’re a close-knit community. Perhaps Valerie can see what this town means, not just to me, but to everybody. We watch as colorful floats go by, displaying key figures among the founders of Skybrook. We listen to our local marching band from the high school, their uniforms filled with the school’s vibrant blue and gold colors.

The school band is followed by the cheerleaders who perform program-choreographed dances, acrobatics, and stunts. They bring enthusiasm and dedication to every move they make. Our town is all about Friday nights watching the hometown football team, whether they win or lose, and the cheerleaders getting the crowd involved with cheering them on. The team mascot runs up and down the parade route handing out candy.

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