A Few Parting Gifts

Mom dropped Cara, Chris, and I

at the mall to pick

a present to give Dad

for his rehab trip.

Where he can get better,

where there are people who can

help.

We are serious about our assignment, searching

for the perfect item that will remind

Dad to really try for us,

for less than eight dollars.

Nine-year-old Chris is excited when he spots

the “Look, look, look, perfect gift!”

A bottle opener–key chain

with the Budweiser logo inscribed.

“Dad loves Budweiser.”

Ten-year-old Cara and I

look at each other.

The uncomfortable silence

makes way for grins

that grow into snickers,

giving birth to giggles and then

full-blown *laughter*.

Chris gives a small, shy smile,

says “Oh,”

and it feels

like things might be okay as we

walk through the mall alone together.