When we pulled in, I saw Gretta's face in the window. I smiled - I knew what was about to happen, and it would be fun.
But I had traveled north for a different reason. I got out, grabbed the stuff from the backseat, and turned to begin the short walk to the front door.
PA! I heard. I stopped, raised my head, straightened myself, and there he was. He had opened the front door halfway, and was leaning out toward the porch, a big smile on his face.
In my clearest, loudest and most joyous voice, I replied NOAH!, and my soul lifted skyward. His absence the last two weeks was over. I had re-entered his world, our world, Noah's world - Pa's and Noah's world. Emotionally, it's like stepping into a promised land where there is no suffering, no worry; naught but fun and very often silliness.
And learning. He repeats everything you say, as if practicing to become better at it.
I got to watch him go trick-or-treating, and it was a pleasure and a privilege. He was engaged, he was having fun. He acted as if it was his first time; he'd evidently forgotten about last year.
He was costumed as a fire chief, and boy did he look good, except possibly when he put his helmet on backwards.
God, I missed him. Last night was a tonic. And I got to see Owen, too. What a pair they're going to make.
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