Departure

I pencil in a science program for Wednesday, following Vacation Bible School but before Spanish class. He showers and dresses for the day.

***

"I'm considering a baby-sitter for Saturday so I can be with Lili at her swim meet without dragging the boys along. What do you think?"

"I think you should do it. That's a great plan."

I send a text to the sitter.

***

I sneak in a chapter of the JFK biography I'm reading while the kiddos play "Rapunzel" in the back yard. He's packing a week's worth of clothes, shoes and toiletries into his suitcase.

***

We drive to the library, where I scan the used-book sale for children's Christmas titles to buy for pennies and stash in the basement until the holidays. He locates a good novel for his overnight flight to Italy.

***

I take Henry for a haircut, while he takes the big kids for cold drinks at Starbuck's. When we meet up after, Lili is sopping up tears and Nick whispers the details of her previous meltdown, which he attributes to some anxiety about his leaving.

***

At home, I start dinner while he fixes a bicycle chain. He dons his flight suit, wheels his suitcase to the car and commences the good-bye routine with each family member. The kids are in good spirits now and we wish him well.

We are well.