Missing You

Occasionally, Mae and I sneak out on Jesse to run errands and such. Of course I use the word "sneak" loosely, since we always make sure we tell him that we're going out, and assure him that we would come back. He seldom kicks up a fuss when we leave, but would usually do when we return - even if it's sometimes for show. We'd usually pick him up, hold him close and pat him on his back to console him.

Lately, however, he's been getting more and more attached.

Last week, Mae ran off to pick me up from the office while Jesse waited at home. When I opened the door the poor boy ran towards me, his arms apart and his sad little face about to burst into tears. And so I dropped everything, swooped down on him and hugged him close to me as he cried a little cry of relief to see me.

"It's okay," I assured him, "Daddy misses you too."

He looked at me as though he understood. He hugged me tightly, buried his face in my neck, and patted me on my back. And then I understood.

My son was consoling me. *sniff*