Maddie:Hey, what are you guys doing today?
Glen:Snowboarding. We took lessons. It’s not that hard. You should try it.
Randy:We tried skiing. Snowboarding is way better. You can rent everything you need at the lodge, even ski suits. The prices are decent too.
Damon:If you want, we can show you the basics. We’ll take it slow. I think you’d like it.
Maddie:That sounds fun. I’m going to get some lunch first. Meet you by the lift at two?
Damon:Thatworks. See you there.
I guess I’ll have to rent everything. If it costs too much, I’ll find something else to do.
After enjoying a small order of egg rolls and chow mein, I head to the rental shop. To my surprise, the girl tells me everything has already been paid for. I didn’t realize Ms. Southerby included this along with everything else. I’ll have to let Rhonda know—if she ever texts me.
As promised, the boys take it slow, and it doesn’t take long before I get the hang of it. We start on easy, gentle slopes first, then move up to the big-girl slopes. I’m no Olympic snowboarder, but for my first time, I’m not half bad. And it’s a total blast.
After we’ve been at it for several hours, I start to feel it in my legs. Reaching the bottom of the last run, I see Rhonda all suited up with her own snowboard. She’s over by the lift, and it looks like Ash is giving her lessons. I pull my phone from my jacket pocket and see I missed a text she sent two hours ago.
Rhonda:Hey, did you know Ms. Southerby paid for ski rentals? Ash is going to give me lessons later. You should join us. It’ll be fun.
Maddie:Look to your left.
I wave my hand over my head. She sees me and gives a thumbs-up.
Maddie:Sorry, didn’t get your text til now. We’ve been on the slopes for hours, so I need a break. Have fun!
Rhonda:You too. I’ll text you later.
I get Randy to take some pics of me on my snowboard before I return all the gear. Then back in the restaurant, I order a cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake. They have fancier things, but this sounded perfect. While eating, I text Mom.
Maddie:Check out what I did today. It was more fun than I expected.
I send her the pics Randy took.
Mom:So glad you’re able to enjoy yourself for a change. You look well-rested.
Maddie:I’ve been sleeping in till noon every day. Can you believe it? Me?
Mom:If anyone deserves it, it’s you, dear.
Maddie:How are you doing?
Mom:Good. I took my meds and made tomato soup with some toast. Don’t have much of an appetite today. You know how it is.
Maddie:I know, but the doctor said you need to eat more. Has Dad been around? How about Josh or Keegan?
I already know the answer.
Mom:Your father checks in on me like he always does. Haven’t seen your brothers since you left, but you knowhow busy they are. Roofing is hard work.
I’ve never told her not much roofing gets done but a whole lot of fishing and beer-drinking does. I’ve never told her how the bills get paid. And I don’t need to tell her what Dad does. That’s the one thing she’s well aware of.
Maddie:I’ll be back tomorrow around eleven. I don’t have to work, so we can spend the rest of the day together. I’ll make the mac-and-cheese casserole you like. It will go well with the tomato soup you seem to like so much.
Mom:Maybe just some toast with the soup. We can talk about it when you get back. Until then, stop worrying about me and enjoy what’s left of your vacation. I love you.
Maddie:I love you too.
