“And Then We Just Showed Up?”

Both were taller and thinner since Christmastime.

In my living room, SWM asked, “Is that where … ?” He meant, ‘Is that where you do Zoom with me?’

Still in my living room, AEM asked, “How did you and my dad meet?” Impressed, I said, “Good question.” Bob said nothing, possibly concerned. I continued, “We were in graduate school together.” I said to Bob, “Did you know that we’ve known each other for 32 years? Recently I calculated.” He replied, “I haven’t seen Chaitan in forever.” AEM responded, “And then we just showed up?”

AEM can cook her own meat at shabu shabu. She cracked and peeled my hard boiled egg without assistance.

Again in my house, SWM appeared from upstairs with a giant green stuffed animal that looked to be a precursor to squishmallows.

AEM went into my bedroom, saw two squishmallows, and got confused. She said to me in the living room, “Why are there two squishmallows upstairs?” I said, “What?” not having seen any upstairs and quite certain that my uncle would lack them. Later she said, “I found them.” I said, “Oh, those are mine.”

On my driveway and moving towards the car, SWM gave to me a look. It was a shy look of meaning when he was waving goodbye. Maybe he comprehended my sadness about our impending separation and felt for me.