ME: Five more minutes, buddy.
NICK: NO! I want to play!
ME: We’ve been playing in the dirt for a half an hour. We need to walk back home. I have work to do.
NICK: I have to dump out these rocks!
ME: Five more minutes. Seriously.
(Cell phone rings)
ME: (in phone) This is David. Oh… Oh, God. I’m so sorry. Yeah, I knew I had the appointment. It’s on my calendar. I just… I woke up this morning and took Nick… I just forgot. I’m so sorry.
NICK: What’s wrong, daddy? Tell me!
ME: (in phone) I clearly just… I need to figure out my scheduling. I just totally forgot we were supposed to meet. I’m so sorry. There’s a lot going on…
NICK: Dad!
ME: Just a second buddy (in phone) Yeah. I’ll call you back and reschedule. I’m sorry. (hangs up)
NICK: Dad, pick me up.
ME: We have to go home, buddy.
NICK: No!
ME: I said five minutes. It’s been five minutes!
NICK: NO!
ME: Nick, please!
(pause)
ME: Sorry, bud. I didn’t mean to yell.
NICK: Daddy? It’s okay.
ME: I know.
NICK: I give you a hug.
ME: Okay.
NICK: We can go home now.
ME: Okay.
NICK: You know why you so upset?
ME: Why?
NICK: Because you’re confused about which way to go home. It’s okay. There are two ways to go home.
ME: Okay.
NICK: Walk this way. I know a shortcut.
David Lee White 