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Holding Close, Holding On

 

Last week before being separated for forty-two days, with only two 'rescue' weekends during that time where we can see each other. The name itself speaks volumes. In any case, I have been doing something fun with them every day. We went to the beach and pretended to surf. We had a candy day, a dance party, a water fight. We rode bikes, we had a pizza and movie marathon, we wrote little messages to each other to open one every day we are apart. Today, we also had an ice cream party. And a hike. Another movie. And another dance party. Its been a long intense day. They're getting restless as their departure grows closer. Every day they ask me f there is any way they don't have to go. But then their dad asks over zoom if they are excited to go visit him. I hear them say yes. But I also hear the pause before they do, and the hesitation in their voices as they do. I wonder if he does. I wonder if he will punish them for it. I hope he does not, that for once, he will hold them and their scared little hearts in a comforting embrace.

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