Going Home

“Wake up, get on airplane, go through tunnel, see Merlin kitty, see Joe!” Emma said upon waking this morning.

“Yes, Em.  That’s right.  You and Daddy and Nicky are going on the airplane this morning,” I answered.

“One, two, three, four, five,” Emma said, pointing at each of us.

“Five of us are going to the airport, but three of you – Daddy, you and Nic are getting on the airplane.  I have to stay here with Granma for a few more days,” I explained.

“One, two, three, four, five to the airport, then you and Mommy and Daddy and Nicky go on the airplane,” Emma said.

“You are Emma.  Just Emma and Nic and Daddy,” I said as she looked at me.

“You,” she said, pointing to me.

“No Em.  I have to stay here and work for a few more days, but I’ll try to come home on Thursday or Friday.”

“Mommy on the airplane,” Emma insisted.

“I’m sorry Emmy, but I’ll be home soon.”

I waited for her to say, “Okay”, but she never did, because it wasn’t okay and I knew it.  Regardless, I have to work for a few more days here, tying up loose ends before I can leave to join my family in New York.  Meanwhile both Nic and Emma have school tomorrow and Richard will be going through the piles of mail, making sure both children get on their school busses on time, picking up groceries, sorting through laundry and all the other things necessary to returning home after being away.

I miss them already.