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“Night, son,” I responded and tapped his head twice.
The next morning, I woke up to meet my son staring at me like he was waiting to see when I’d wake up. He was full of energy like he wasn’t up the previous night.
“Good morning, Daddy.” He smiled. “You’re late for work.” He added.
“Little one, what would you know about my work schedule? Tell me, what time do you think I resume work?”
“Well, Dad, it’s almost 10 am.”
My eyes widened, “You shouldn’t lie to your father.” I stretched my hands to get my phone. “What!” I screamed and jumped off the bed like I’d seen a ghost.
Michael giggled and stomped his foot on the bed.
“Hey, son. Go get your toothbrush. Brush your teeth before your babysitter gets here.” I said.
“No, I don’t want to brush,” he started. “I want to be like Billy in the cartoon with brown teeth.” He said.
I gave him a Daddy serious look and his countenance fell. “Okay, Daddy. I’ll go and brush.” He jumped off my bed and made his way to his room.
I was already late for work. Even if I was the owner of the ranch, I still enjoyed going to work early to lead by example, and because working took my mind off most life issues.
Truth be told, I was rarely happy, but I needed to be strong for my son. My heart ached anytime I thought about my issues with Michael’s mom, but I’d to let the past stay in the past.
The doorbell rang. It was the nanny.
“Come in. You’re late, and the door is already open,” I yelled from my room.
I heard her open the door and walk in. “Good morning, sir.” Her voice was loud.
“Good morning. Cindy.” I retorted. “What took you so long?” I asked.
“I’m sorry, sir. I’d to finish up some things with my grandma before coming down here.” She responded.
“Cindy!” Michael yelled and I heard him run to meet the nanny.
“Hey, Mike,” she fondly called him. “You’ve grown stronger in just one day. Tell me, what have you been eating?” she asked.
My attention left their conversation and all I heard was indistinctive conversations. In no time, I was fully dressed for work, and I came out to meet Michael and Cindy playing a game of cards I didn’t seem to understand.
“I see you’re having fun, my boy. Daddy’s off to work,” I cut into their fun. “Anyways, Cindy, please don’t forget to run down to the pharmacy later and get an inhaler for Mike. The one he had finished last night. Also, make sure he eats and has a good nap please.” I said.
“Yes, sir,” Cindy responded. “Anything else you want me to do, sir?”
“Nothing yet, but if I remember anything else, I’ll call you and let you know,” I replied. “Hey, son, want to say bye to Dad?” I asked my son.
He ran up to me and we did our stylish goodbye sign; a fist bump, two palm slaps, another fist bump, and a hug. “Bye, Dad.”A smile took over his face. I winked at him and left the house for my ranch.
A part of me didn’t feel right about leaving Michael with the nanny considering his health condition. I feared no one would be able to take care of him like I’d. But I’d to be at the ranch to supervise the workers, so I didn’t have much of a choice.
I stood outside, by the door for a while trying to listen and make sure Cindy wouldn’t treat my son carelessly. After a fruitless effort to hear anything that was going on in the house, I left.
“Good morning, sir.” The workers started greeting me as soon as I arrived at the ranch.
“Good morning. How’s everything this morning?” I asked for updates.
The awkward silence I got as a response made me ask again. “Is everything okay?” Still, no response.
“Okay. I’m guessing we don’t know how to talk anymore?” I was curious.
