Write Image 20070827: "Second Chances"

    Carolyn stepped back onto the cool grass. The black silk of her skirt swished against the blades.

    “Mommy…can we go now?” came a quiet voice. Looking down, her eyes blurred as she tousled the thick locks, his stubby arms wrapped around her thighs as he hid his face. Carolyn bent to pick up Thomas, cradling him against her side; she held out her hand, but Penny just sat on the bench.

    “Come on Penny, it’s getting late, your brother is hungry” she urged waving her hand. Still, Penny sat, swinging her legs, her feet just barely reaching the ground. After the last few days, she couldn’t bear to reprimand her for the scuffs on her shoes. The black patent leather, so shiny except for the gouges where her pointed toes had struck the pavement’s edge; it was the third time in as many days that she had worn them. Carolyn knew that after this evening, she would never have to wear them again. “Penny, we’ll come back tomorrow- let’s go.”

    Penny looked up at her mother, after a long pause, “Do you promise Mommy?”

    “I promise.”

    She slid her hand into Carolyn’s as they walked toward Park Avenue. The leaves were just starting to fall. They swirled around in the breeze and crunched beneath their feet as if dancers on a stage. Readjusting Thomas so that his weight lay on her hips and Mr. Bunnykins wasn’t in her face, she tried to think of what to say to her children.

Penny ripped her hand away and dashed back.

    “Penny. Penny, come back her. Right now!”

    Thomas roused as she trotted back in her 3 inch heels to catch her. She stopped, Penny was walking back slowly; beloved Fred was sitting on the bench alone.

    “Why are you leaving Freddy? You love him; he’s been with you since you were a baby.”

    “I know Mom, but I thought he could keep Daddy, company tonight” her unblinking eyes stared up. “I have you and Thomas, but Daddy is all alone, now” her voice solemn as she reached up.

    Suddenly a bunny was thrust down, “Here Penny,” her brother offered, dangling him by the ear; “Mr. Bunnykins can stay with Daddy too.” Thomas let go and Penny placed him carefully alongside Freddy.

    I watched them leave at last in the chilled air of this autumn evening. Unseen, I approached the bench, invisible tears tracing down my cheeks. Wishing I could touch them, I read the inscription, “Our father, our hero”; what I wouldn’t give to be just their father again.