Page 57 of The Sailor in Polynesia
James was at the top of the stairs that led to the basement, blinking in the harsher light of the kitchen.
“Those kids... energy... need beer.” He mock staggered around the kitchen, pulling a beer out of the fridge and grabbing a cookie from the cookie jar—yes, my mom literally kept a cookie jar on the counter.
“Is everyone asleep?” Mom asked.
“Near enough.” He sighed and slipped into the chair next to me at the table. “Lee is reading and Aaron is playing with his handheld gaming thingy. But they are both in their sleeping bags.”
“Look at you,” I teased him. “Such a good uncle.”
“Damn right I am.”
“Well, I am sorry I have no beds to offer you for the night. You’ll have to go home,” Mom said to James.
“I know, Mom.” Mom hated that they had downsized when James was in high school, but it made sense, even if the whole family couldn’t get together in one house anymore.
When James finished his beer, Mom shooed us out of the house. James tossed me the keys and then climbed into the passenger seat and navigated me to his house.
Once in his guest bedroom, I kicked off my shoes and lay on the bed.
You there?I messaged Jonas.
For you, always.
What did you do today, other than moveEik?
We went to Carrefour again.
Haha, really? I bet Marcella is loving it.
Yes, but it is bittersweet. She has a beautiful market to shop in, but our budget for food is nothing compared to what she normally works with.
That would be hard. A chef with her skills can make anything delicious, though.
True. How is your family?
Good. I only saw my parents and niblings today. And James, of course.
Do you miss the boat already?
No, not yet.
I hesitated before sending the next message.
I do miss you, though.
I miss you too. What did you do tonight?
We had pizza and movie night, which was good. Less effort from us adults and I am too exhausted for the kind of running around my mom likes to do.
I bet your parents are happy to have you back. Are you staying with them?
No, I’m at James’s. It’s only about twenty minutes away, something James complains about all the time.
I bet. It is pretty late over there. Do I need to make you go to sleep?
Boo. I’d rather talk to you.
I will be here tomorrow. Go to sleep.
