Day Care
by Jerome Norris
Copyright© 2010 by Jerome Norris
Flash Story: For a working couple, Day Care is a necessity and a lifesaver. But sometimes just getting there can be a trial.
Tags: Drama
"Look, Cynthia, I know it's my turn to take him, but I just can't. Not this morning. I'll make it up to you, I promise. I'll take him the rest of the week. But I've got this meeting. I didn't even know about it until Max called last night. But I've gotta be there for it."
"All right. But you owe me, big-time. I wasn't planning on this, and now I'll be late for work. But that's okay. We all know that your job is more important than my job."
"Cyn, you know I don't feel that way! Now please — don't lay a guilt trip on me about this. Just take him this morning, and I'll get the next three days absolutely without fail. Without fail — no question."
"All right, Burt. All right. You go on now. Just go. I'll take care of it."
"How about your green sweater today? Okay, David? Where is it? No — wait. It's in the washing. The blue one, then. How about this? Doesn't that look nice?"
"Is it cold out?"
"Cold? No. I don't think so. But you might need the sweater. It gets cold there, sometimes, in that building. Doesn'tt it? You told me it did. The sweater will be good. You can take it off if you get too warm. Just try not to forget it when you come out this afternoon. Okay?"
"Are you gonna be there, when I come out?"
"No. You remember — I have to work until later than that. But Mrs. Scripps will be there to pick you up — just like always. So don't worry. And she'll stay right here with you until I get home. It'll be fine, David, you'll see! You like Mrs. Scripps."
"I like Mrs. Scripps."
"Yes. She's always very nice to you, isn't she?"
"What if she's not there, when I get out?"
"What if she... ? She will be there. Don't worry. She'll be there."
"She wasn't there, that time."
"But that was because her car wouldn't start, remember? And she got a ride from a neighbor lady, and she was there to get you, just a little bit late. Wasn't she? And it was all right, wasn't it?"
"I don't remember. She was late — that time."
"Well, she won't be late today. Don't you worry. And I'll be home on time tonight too. And everything will be fine!"
"Will you make pork chops?"
"For dinner? Sure. Sure, I'll make pork chops. But come on now David, we've got to go or we'll be late. Have you got everything?"
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