Now that the unpleasantness is out of the way, it’s time to talk about the trip.
Wade: I secured everything for our trip.
Maia: Did you?
Wade: Yeah, I was thinking we’d go to Ciudad Enamorada. We can leave tomorrow since it’s only a few hours away.
Maia: I know…it’s just across the border.
Maia doesn’t sound as enthused as I was hoping she’d be.
Wade: Have you ever been?
Maia: No, we could never afford to visit places like that. We rarely even left the city.
Wade: Oh. Dray is on board, and I found a sweet rental in the middle of town.
Maia: So, it’s all set?
Wade: Yep. Do you even want to go, because it sounds –
Maia: Yeah, of course. I’m just worried about this tenant situation. I can’t believe Tami kicked him.
Wade: Don’t worry. They’ll be gone when we get back. And if not–I’ll take care of it.
Maia: That doesn’t make me any less worried.
We ultimately decide we can’t do anything about our tenants now, but wait until their lease is up. Rather than waste the entire day on that situation, we leave the house and revisit the rec center. There’s a toddler playground behind the building. That’s where we head. While Maia and I continue discussing the trip, Tami makes a beeline for the crawling tunnels.
Maia: So, how long will we be staying on this trip?
Wade: Maybe a day or two, but that’s up to you, too. This trip isn’t just for me-it’s for all of us.
Maia: I’ll start my petition for the food stand when we return.
Oh, so that’s why she sounds reluctant. I’d forgotten all about that.
Wade: I can help you with it if it’ll make it go faster.
Maia: That’s sweet of you.
We sit down on a nearby bench.
Wade: It doesn’t seem like you want to go on this trip. We don’t have to if you don’t want to.
Maia: I want to go. I just—I had one of my episodes this morning. And these doubts started popping up in my head. That’s why I’ve been distant today.
Wade: Are you okay now? Is there anything I can do?
Suddenly, Tami walks over.
Tambara: Daddy, owie!
I hear her, but I want to give Maia my full attention.
Maia: I’m feeling fine now. And I think this trip will be good for us.
Wade: I think so, too.
Maia leans in, and we kiss right before Tami interrupts us.
Tambara: I’m the baby!
Somebody is a little jealous.
Tami refuses to allow any kissing or hugging on her watch. Maybe she feels left out? Either way, she points out a little scrap on her knee, which I promptly kiss to make it better. Then I lead her to the slide and show her how to climb the steps. Once at the top, Tami looks a little unsure, but Maia encourages her to slide down by holding her arms out to catch her.
Tambara: Weee!
Maia grabs her before she hits the bottom. Tami looks so proud to learn a new skill.
We finish our park adventure in the giant sand pit. Maia sits and observes as I demonstrate how to build a sandcastle for Tami. First, I show her how to put sand in a bucket and pile it up. I think that’s her favorite part. Then, I show her how to sculpt the towers and walls of a castle. Tami doesn’t get the concept and spends most of her time tossing sand around. After we complete the castle, I stand up for the grand finale.
Wade: Now the castle is done, and it’s time for the gigantic monster to stomp on it.
Tami kicks the sand with a face full of smiles and giggles.
Maia: See Tami. It’s OK to kick the sand, but it’s never OK to kick people.
I disagree, because some people deserve it, but I don’t dare interject during Maia’s teaching moment.
Maia suggests we finish the evening by visiting her favorite barbeque spot in the city—The Happy Hog BBQ and Grill. I approach the host, who leads us to a table on the side patio.
Maia: This is where Father used to bring us to celebrate whenever he received a promotion.
I’m glad Maia’s childhood didn’t include only poverty and rough times. I grab my menu and glance at it.
The waiter walks over to take our orders. Maia orders a complete barbeque rib plate and gives me a side-eye when I order a salad.
Maia: Why would you order a salad at a barbeque joint?
Wade: I’m sorry! I’m just not hungry right now.
But she’s right. I should at least order something grilled.
Wade: *to the waiter* Actually, change that to grilled plantains.
Maia seems a little more satisfied with that.
Tami has finished her food and is already feeling restless when our food arrives. We pull her out of the highchair and find a spot for her to sit and play with her tablet while we eat in peace. Maia looks down at her plate with eyes full of delight.
Maia: This looks just like I remember! I wonder if Father still eats here.
I take a few bites of my plantains and am surprised they’re so well-seasoned and perfectly grilled. I can imagine how good the ribs must be. We spend the rest of our meal in silence, enjoying our delicious food, while Tami draws the attention of a local.
Local Woman: Aren’t you the cutest little girl? And those eyes!
Tami is learning the power of the light gray eyes early in her life.
Maia and I eat until every crumb of food is gone from our plates. If it were socially acceptable, I probably would have licked mine-the food was that good. We reluctantly leave and return home to a sick Hiro. Maia says she noticed that something was off about him this morning. It’s time for an emergency vet visit.
We’re greeted by Dr. Dyer once again when we arrive at the pet hospital.
Dr. Dyer: *to Hiro* Hey, my good friend! You’re back to see me once again.
Wade: Is he going to be okay?
Dr. Dyer looks him over.
Dr. Dyer: He’ll be fine. It’s an easily treatable case of Sizzlepaw. It’s not uncommon in older dogs, but he won’t be taking any long walks soon. And no jogging-these old knees aren’t what they used to be!
I’m sad to hear that. I’ll be taking my morning jogs alone from now on.
Wade: We’re leaving for Ciudad Enamorada tomorrow. Is it safe to bring Hiro along?
Dr. Dyler: Sure, but keep an eye on him and make sure he gets plenty of rest. How do you want me to treat him?
As always, Dr. Dyer gives me three options, and I choose the expensive treatment. Before long, she sends us on our way. It’s time to go home and get some much-needed sleep before our trip tomorrow.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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