The Ride

Flash Fiction

The Ride

Took the kids for a ride. I hadn’t done it before, not just a ride anyway. We went plenty of places together, friend’s houses, playgrounds, grocery store of course. Having a four- and three-year-old, life was a bit busy, even for Daddy. When I got home from work it was dinner and then quite often them falling asleep watching TV. But I was just remembering the rides I’d had with my dad and suddenly I was determined to share that with my own kids.

My father worked all week too, but weekends were more taking care of the house and yard. It seemed normal when we got started with kids to do the same. But now they were older, and playing in the yard is a bit different when you live in an apartment. Weekends seem to have fallen into tv, shopping, and making tents in their rooms with a blanket for a tent, and all their toys stuffed inside. When I went in to check on them, I could barely walk to the “tent” and both boys had fallen asleep playing! It was still Saturday morning! Suddenly the rides came to mind and I woke them both up and off we went!

Off we went, so excited! The kids in the back in their car seats, Mom didn’t come because she had laundry to do, or so she said. (I don’t think the “ride” sounded exciting to her.) I started with the “Look at that’s” like my dad had done. Look at that red house! Look at that giant tree! You know.

Ten minutes later, at a stop sign, I glanced at them in the mirror. Both sound asleep…

I may try it again when their older, and when Mom stops laughing, every time I mention it…