Page 5 of Three Not-So-Little Words
Thankfully, I made sure the kitchen was well-stocked for our arrival. I grocery shopped last weekend since I didn’t have anything else to do.
As I’m scooping ice cream into the cone, he asks, “Dad, why did we have to move?”
I take a deep breath, preparing to toe the line between being honest with him and keeping as much of his childhood innocence intact as possible.
“I thought you and I could use a fresh start,” I say.
The confused look on his face shows that my words didn’t quite land.
I run my hand over the stubble on my chin after I hand his ice cream cone off to him.
“I know moving here is really big and scary, buddy. But you and I are going to do it together. Think of it like a really cool adventure.”
“I miss home,” he says, breaking my heart.
“I know, Colton. I do too. But hopefully, every day, we can miss it a little less.”
I don’t want to tell him that this is home now because to him, it’s not. That will take time, and I don’t want to do anything to diminish his feelings. Overall, I want him to have fun and worry as little as possible.
He’s had enough sadness with his mom dying a year ago. I don’t need to pile on everything I’m dealing with. He’s six. He deserves to act like a six-year-old.
“How’s the ice cream?” I ask, trying to change the subject.
“Good,” he replies between licks.
As I’m putting everything away, he says, “Dad, can I ask you something?”
I brace myself for impact. “You can ask me anything, Colton.”
“Who do you think would win–Batman or Superman?”
I exhale a sigh of relief and take a moment to think about my answer.
“Superman.”
“Why?”
“He has actual superpowers. Batman just has a lot ofstuff.What do you think?”
He doesn’t need any time to ponder his answer. “Batman.”
“Why?”
“He’s way cooler!”
“Well, I can’t argue with you there.”
We talk about superheroes a little more while he finishes up his ice cream. When he’s done, I quickly wipe off his face and hands before helping him down off the counter.
He walks around, looking for something to do. Most of his toys are still packed away, but I think I have something we could play with.
“Wait here, bud. I have a surprise.”
It takes me a moment to rifle through the boxes in his room to find what I’m looking for, but finally, I’ve got it.
Bringing the box to the living room, I set it down in front of Colton. I open the flaps and watch his face light up.
What’s an awesome way to cheer up a six-year-old?
