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The earliest delivery time is 8, so I’m going to have to figure something out.
Jake spies me and beckons me inside his room decorated with dinosaurs.
“Come on, I’m building the biggest fort ever!”
“Certainly looks like you have enough Legos to do that.”
And it’s true. The little blocks are everywhere, and I wonder if Wyn ever steps on them.
They’re like little landmines waiting to happen.
The two of us work side by side for fifteen minutes until Wyn pops her head in.
“Alright chi?kší, bedtime!”
“Ah, Mom” Jake whines, but dutifully starts picking up the Legos.
I help him, and when Wyn’s not looking, wave my hand to dispel the mess.
Jake’s eyes grow to the size of small dinner plates.
“Wooooooow! How did you do that?”
“It’s a Boggart trick. Don’t tell your mom, though.”
“Tell me what?” she yells from the other room, and Jake dissolves into a fit of giggle.
“Mom! I’m ready for my bedtime story!”
“Not until you brush your teeth and change into your pajamas!”
“Aaaaw!”
“And I mean really brush them—using toothpaste and not just with water!”
He rushes off, coming back when he’s done to jump on his bed while Wyn fluffs his pillows.
Once he’s settled, Wyn sits next to him, and Jake pats the spot next to him.
“Mom tells the best bedtime stories. They’re tales about Lakota superheroes and tricksters.”
“I’ll stay only if it’s ok with your mom.”
Wyn nods, and I settle in as Jake crawls under his space-themed bedspread.
“Once upon a time, over the Great Plains flew Wakí?ya?, the mighty Thunderbird, protector of the people against the North Wind.”
Her voice dips and rises as Wyn weaves her fantastical story.
It reminds me of when I was a boy and my mother would tell me about Boggart lore.
That was a long, long time ago, though.
My parents have long since joined the Shadows.
Sadness at being alone tugs at my heart, and I stare at Wyn.
She glances over at me, a small smile curling the edges of her lips.
