Hugo is out with the twins, and I am alone at the lodge, catching up on books I’ve wanted to read. Or trying to. I’ve been glancing at the clock every three minutes. Hannah agreed to be home by nightfall, and the sun is just about to set already.
I’m starting to get worried. Maybe Hugo was right. Maybe it was too risky to let her go alone.
Before the night gets completely dark, I jog outside to go look for my daughter.
Turns out she wasn’t far away. Just too busy catching fire ants to realize she’s breaking a promise.
Oh, kiddo, I could have told you this was a bad idea.
Yep. You got stung alright.
I’m here to make sure she doesn’t get hurt any more than that.
When she sees me walking up to her, she’s clearly expecting a scolding.
As I explain to her, I’m just relieved she’s alright. Still, she’s sheepish from disobeying my request, and still hurting from the fire ants. I feel like this is all punishment enough.
As we’re walking home under the moonlit canopy, and the Granite Falls lampposts, Hannah looks up at me. “Mom? There are fireflies right there, can I…”
So I look away and let her catch the fireflies.
And she drops into a deep slumber yet again.
The Stewarts Family (and other shenanigans) 