3D: Scouting

“I’m back,” Jonathan announced, tossing his keys onto the accent table.

The days of working from open until closing had long since passed. Viviana’s was a well-oiled machine, and his persistent presence was no longer expected. He enjoyed being around those who loved and supported him. They said food is healing, and that resonated with him. People entered the restaurant ladened and left lighter. Jonathan wasn’t the one behind the grill cooking up comfort and healing, but Viviana’s was his brainchild. It was an honor to offer space for restoration.

They also said retiring made you old. In the words of that lady from the Internet, ain’t nobody got time for that. Jonathan had so much life left. He still had a child to raise and a hot wife to show off his virility. And, maybe soon, a grandchild to spoil. Staying home and watching TV from dawn to dusk was not part of that plan.

The pounding of little sneakers racing down the stairs sounded like a herd of llamas. Oliver had on his scout uniform from earlier. “Hey, Dad!”

“Uhhh … Did I forget about a meeting?”

The cheeky child giggled. Jonathan could never tire of his little raspy voice. “No, silly! You took me this morning!”

Exhibit A. He had to stay sharp if only to keep up with that cute little wise crack. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Why are you still dressed?”

“I’m THIS close to getting the Outdoor Adventurer Badge,” Oliver yelled as if it were the most important news.

The boy’s boundless energy should have excited him. Being an outdoor lover, Jonathan loved the scouting concept and wished it existed when he was a child. But, the kids had so many meetings and badges, he couldn’t keep up. “So…how do you get this badge?”

Oliver’s eyes rolled as if the conversation annoyed him and reminded Jonathan of Maya. “We fish and catch frogs and stuff!”

“We?”

One of these days, he’d teach him a lesson on how to ask properly, but Jonathan was old and tired. Two out of three great kids ain’t bad.

“Dad, I’m so close! I wanna get my badge before Xander help me pleeeeeeease?”

“Son, I just got home. Why don’t we go tomorrow?”

Oliver growled. “But, the badge ceremony is tomorrow!”

As much as Jonathan loved helping his children, traipsing around town sticking his hand in logs was not his idea of a relaxing evening after work. “It’s raining, Oli.”

“That’s the best time! The frogs should be out! PLEEEEEEEEEASE?”

That face. It got him so many things he didn’t deserve. Watcher help them when he discovered girls.

“Ok, fine. You’re in luck, kid. Your old man knows where all the cool frogs live.”

Growing up near a large body of water finally paid off. Jonathan took Oliver to the old neighborhood in Willow Creek. True, he knew nothing about frogs, but there were several frog bearing logs around the old Pruett Estate. The boy was bound to bring home the motherlode.

“Have you had enough of your slimy friends?” Jonathan asked.

“Yeah. This ought a do it!”

Oliver’s competitive nature made Jonathan smile. It also perplexed him. He didn’t care to compete, and neither did Skyla. Perhaps this behavior marked the beginnings of another perfectionist. Watcher help him. “Good. Let’s get out of this rain. Race ya to the park!”

Jonathan took off running.

“Hey! No fair!”

While he still had the strength and energy, Jonathan showed no mercy. “Don’t worry. One day soon, you’ll beat me.”

“Is this the park that used to be your house?”

So many little things showed Oliver’s growth. He remembered things better. His big personality got more defined every day. And, the little attitudes. Jonathan’s son was getting older just like the rest of them.

“You remember. Yes, this used to be my house. Actually, I brought you here once before I built this park. You were a tiny little thing, so you probably don’t remember.”

“Tell me more!”

His curiosity hit Jonathan in a way he didn’t expect. He had long since gotten over his legacy follies though sometimes guilt still tried to take him out. The story’s meaning wasn’t as strong, but his heart filled with immense joy for the opportunity to have the heir talk with his son.

“I’d love to…”