Bringing it Home

Just like that, life had a way of offering the unexpected. Dewey, an average boy, who was averagely average, became one of the most sought after kids in town, Seraphina was now the proud owner of a dog the size of Canada, and Dewey and his family were moving to Alaska.

And then, just like that, just like that moment when the first little underarm hair pops out—and you think where the fruit did that come from?!—Dewey’s dad announced they weren’t moving, after all.

Dewey and his family all sat around the table Sunday evening. Dewey’s mom took away the ketchup bottle as Dewey drowned his fries in ketchup.

“Aw, come on, Mom,” objected Dewey.

“Dr. Jay says children under the age of eighteen shouldn’t be allowed to operate heavy ketchup or syrup bottles.”

“Hmph,” said Dewey, but he smiled. He loved his pediatrician.

His dad clinked his glass with his fork and spoke, “Gang, I have some big news. The plans have changed, and it’s big. I’m going to need everyone’s support. I’m quitting my job. I’ve given this a lot of thought.

“I don’t want to be a dentist. The good news is you don’t have to go to Alaska. The tougher news is I’m going back to school, and we’re all going to have to pitch in a bit for me to do so.”

That wasn’t “tougher” news. The resounding cheers and applause heard round the table, and the world, from that one little family could have powered an army to victory.

Their father felt humbled both by how much they obviously had not wanted to go, and also by their support, and he began to tear up. He put down his fork. So did Dewey and the others, except Pooh Bear who was working very diligently on attaching a pea to each prong of hers.

“I’ve always wanted to teach math. It’s been in my heart and been my passion. No one ever told me I could. I just didn’t ever consider it a real choice that I could make.”

Dewey’s mother went over to her husband and gave him a long kiss on the cheek and hugged him around the back of his shoulders.

“What made you change your mind?” she asked.

“You know,” he said, “I can’t really go into it right now.”

Dewey could have sworn right then that he caught his father shoot the slightest glance his way—and that he saw traces of cookie crumbs on his chin.

“But I’ll say this much. I was never a very happy kid in school. And I think I can be a much better teacher to kids than the teachers I had growing up. I think I can make it enjoyable and applicable. Who knows? Maybe we’ll even blow some things up while we’re at it.”

Say, this gave Dewey an idea. His dad wasn’t the only one miserable in school. Curing parents’ problems might just be the beginning. Maybe next year he’d start branching out. He had a feeling the kids might be lining up for him to cure their teacher problems!

“Does this mean I don’t have to help Dewey with his math anymore?” asked Stephanie.

“Oh, sure,” replied Dewey. “If you call sitting on me building my math skills, then you’ve been amazing.”

Everyone laughed and Mom patted Dewey on the head.

They weren’t going to Alaska. He group texted Seraphina and Colin: Best news, ever! Not moving to Alaska!!!!!!! It felt so good to have friends.

Just what, he wondered, had Clara said and done to bring it all, well, home?

He looked over at his dad and smiled. “I’m glad we’re not going to Alaska, Dad. All in all, I think this has been an A+ day.”