"What, Sweetheart."
We're in a local eatery for a slice of pie.
"Do you remember when we went to the flea market?"
"Yes I do, Honey, why?" Silence. The waitress tops off my ice tea. A thunderstorm is hammering our world.
She takes another bite, then, "You 'member you told me nothing in life is free."
Uh-oh. She has those big brown eyes locked on my face. The same eyes that melt my heart anytime she glaces my way.
"I do remember, Little Bit." More silence as she works on the pie and takes an occasional sip of her root beer, her drink of choice.
The rain is heavy, it's warm in here.
"Papa."
"Yes, Honey."
"You 'member that nice old man that gave me those two little dolls?"
I know she has me.
"Yes, Papa remembers."
Silence. My coconut cream pie remains as is, half eaten.
"Papa?" I wait for a second then respond, "What is it, Honey."
"Papa, did that old man make you give him 'monies?"
I know where this is going. But it's fun as she blocks me into the corner.
"No, Little Bit, he didn't ask Papa to give him money."
Silence. The rain is steady pounding, the waitress moves between tables; a slow steady shuffle and you know she's weary and resolve to leave a nice tip.
Little Bit has her head down working over her slice of pie, then slowly lifts her sweet face.
Then, "Papa."
"Yes, Sweetheart."
"Then I guess some things in life are free, huh." Like that.
Women.
It's funny how that works. We are all grown up and thinking we know it all and the simplest minds show us up. Happens to me all the time.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone hears and sees the simple wisdom of the little ones. Some people grow up and let their hearts and minds be hardened by the world until they are no longer able to see through a child's eyes. Tough guys who still can and do stand head and shoulders above the rest.
ReplyDelete: )
Child wisdom at it's best. So sweet.
ReplyDeleteMDR, isn't it a fact.
ReplyDeleteHossBoss, thank you.
Lila, she never fails to surprise me. Sometimes I believe her middle name is 'sweet.'