ALL THAT AND A KITTY TOO

Mike returned from Mickey D's before I knew it and I helped carry the bags and drinks to the backyard of the housing unit, where there was a picnic area and playground. The girls were thrilled that I had finally done something right today—McDonald's for dinner and a kitty to play with.

"Thank you so much, Mike. I think you were right. I'm exhausted by everything. What a terrible day," I commented, passing out happy meals, drinks and pre-made Mc cookies to the girls.

"You needed a break. The Godfreys have long-time campers who are ill this Summer. They left their RV here in the storage lot. I know the Godfreys were talking about offering it to you and the girls until the Morgans decide what to do with it."

"With all the crap going on at camp, I don't know, Mike. I'd be afraid all the time," I commented, trying to shove a Big Mac into my mouth delicately.

"They can move it anywhere you want; in the middle of a busy camper row, next to the RV units on the hill or you can even have them move it next to me. That way, if you're ever worried, just text me, and I can be right over."

"Mommy! We could live at the camp?" Katie squealed.

"Mike, Skunky won't eat his french fries. Whatever shall I do?" Beanie stated theatrically.

"Here, Beanie, try this," he said, pulling a fish fillet sandwich out of the bag.

"Look! Skunky likes it! He's eating it all up," Beanie said, glowing as the feline scarfed the entire sandwich up, except for the bread and mayo.

"Here, make a cup with your hand," Mike instructed, as he opened a milk container and poured a little into Beanie's outstretched paw.

The kitty lapped it up, making Beanie squeal and giggle," That tickles!"

"Think about it anyway, Karol. No rent. No drive back and forth. It's a nice RV with two bedrooms, a good kitchen, decent RV bathroom. It even has a washing machine, dryer, and a TV that can be hooked up to the camp's cable."

"I don't know, Mike. Maybe when everything calms down I'll think about it," I said tentatively.

When we finished our meals, Mike wadded the trash in the bag and jumped up from the table. "See you tomorrow at work!"

He scooped up Skunky, waved goodbye, and abruptly headed toward the parking lot. He didn't get far before Beanie practically tackled him to the ground for a hug. "Thanks Mike! I love Skunky. You're cool!"

He carefully returned her hug and waved again before heading out.

I let the girls play for a few minutes before calling them inside for baths and bed. As I combed out Katie's hair, more carefully than I had in the afternoon, she asked, "Mommy, if we lived at the camp you could save more money for our new house. Why don't you want to do it?"

"I need to make sure it's safe there for us first. Yes, though, it sounds like a good idea. We'll talk more about this after I speak with the Godfreys."

"If we move next to Mike we can play with Skunky all the time, you know," Beanie added.

"That little kitty sure loves you girls. Come here, you look like a drowned rat, Beans. Let me comb your hair."

After a wrestling match to get a wad of sticky pink gum out of her hair, which I hadn't seen earlier, both girls marched off to bed, too tired to argue.

Before hitting the light in their room, Katie said, "Mommy, will Daddy come and see us soon? I miss him."

"I'm sure he will, Katie. His life is all different now too," I said uncomfortably, not wanting to defend a man who wrecked our lives so carelessly.

"Oh," she sighed, then grabbed her favorite raggedy Bunny Boy and rolled over, staring at the wall waiting for sleep to take her to magical places where Daddies stayed forever and Mommies didn't have to work all day and get mad all the time.