Banks Dynasty – Day 43.3

A heavy Tartosan thunderstorm dampens our last day of summer vacation. Luckily, there’s a family game room in the rental, so we spend our time in there playing Don’t Wake the Llama after breakfast.

Dub loses the first round but immediately wants revenge, so he sets up the game for a second time. I bow out of this round because I want to practice communication skills with Mase, or he’ll spend the entire day on his toddler tablet.

Dub gets payback when all the wood pieces crumble to the table during Me-Me’s turn.

When I enter Mase’s room, prepared to put him down for his nap, I see that there are no signs of the rain letting up. I decide to end our vacation a day early. There’s no sense spending our last day of summer vacation stuck inside. So we head home to Henford, where ma greets us with a small dog.

Kai: Ma, what’s up with the dog?

Prosperity: It’s a gift for Wade and Mase.

Kai: But, where’d he come from?

Prosperity: He’s a she…her name is Belle. One of the artists from the art center is moving to a small apartment in San Myshuno and needs to rehome the dog. I offered to take her because what’s the point of having a farm if you don’t have a dog?

Kai: I guess you’re right.

Prosperity: Good. I’m exhausted from working all morning. I need a nap.

Ma heads inside. I step over to Dub.

Kai: I guess you have a dog.

Wade: Goodie!

Kai: Wait, before you celebrate – you need to know that dogs are a big responsibility. You’ll have to play with her, feed her, and clean up after her. I don’t want to walk out here ready for a jog and step in dog poop. Can you take care of all of that?

Wade: Yes, daddy.

Kai: Good! I’ll help, but I need you to be proactive.

(Belle’s Traits: Smart, Vocal, Independent)

I go inside, leaving Dub and Belle outside to get acquainted.

Dub is pleased to have a new pet. He was content with the chicken and the rabbits on the farm, but there’s nothing quite like having a pet who can fetch.

Me-Me is inside helping Peri clean up the kitchen in preparation for dinner. She receives a call from her brother, Jay, in the midst of it.

Melisa: *on the phone* Jay! It’s so good to hear from you. I miss you!

Me-Me listens as her brother shares some news. He and his girlfriend, Justina, are expecting their first child.

Melisa: That’s such good news. I’m so happy for you and Justina!

Jay tells Me-Me how happy their parents are to have another grandchild on the way.

Melisa: Better you than me – I’m not having any more. Two is enough.
After her call, Me-Me sits down to eat at the table, and Peri sits with her.

Prosperity: I couldn’t help but hear what you said to your brother about not having any more children.

Me-Me isn’t sure why Peri is bringing that up. It’s none of her business.

Melisa: Yeah, Kai and I decided after I had Mase.

Prosperity: But have you two done anything to prevent it?

Me-Me is beginning to feel a little defensive. Why is Peri suddenly sticking her nose in their affairs like this?

Melisa: Why are you asking?

Prosperity: I was surprised to hear you say that – I thought you knew.

Peri is being frustratingly cryptic.

Melisa: Knew what?

Prosperity: I think you and Kai might have brought home a little souvenir from your vacation. You are positively glowing.

Me-Me is in complete denial. She’s been ignoring the nausea she felt this morning and has given no thought to how tired she is right now.

Melisa: That’s just from the sunbathing.

Prosperity: If you say so. Look – I know you planned on not having more children, but sometimes life throws curve balls. I never planned on having children, but Kai is the best thing to happen to me. If I’m wrong – then forgive an old lady. But if I’m right and you’re pregnant – I hope you grow to see it as the blessing it truly is.

After spending some time outside working out, I go upstairs to help get the boys ready for bed. But before they are both in their pajamas, Dub insists on a bedtime story. I can’t deny him, so I pull out a book and begin to read as they both sit attentively listening.

As Me-Me gets ready for bed, she discovers that Peri is right. She and Kai did bring back a little something extra from their trip.

Me-Me thinks about Peri’s words. If Peri never had a child, as she planned, Kai wouldn’t be here, and Me-Me’s life would not be the same. Maybe having one more child won’t be so bad. She’ll give Kai the good news tomorrow. Right now, she crawls into bed for some much-needed sleep.

(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)

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