prompt: Have you forgotten?
She was a tornado of activity, bustling about the house, cleaning, packing, taping, talking on the phone, issuing orders, wiping down surfaces.
I'm smart enough to steer clear and find my father hiding in his workroom in the basement.
As soon as the bottom step creaks his voice booms out,
" I can't seem to find the screwdriver Iris. I'll be up as soon as I find it. Won't be able to get that shelf together without it."
This is a blatant lie, I know. My father keeps his tools and workroom organized with military precision.
" Middle drawer..." I call out, stifling a laugh.
He pokes his head out the door with a sheepish grin on his face.
"Where you always keep all the screwdrivers." I admonish, raising an eyebrow.
We manage to stay out of harm's way for a full twenty minutes, finishing a package of Oreos between us before we are discovered.
"JON! Your sugar is going to be through the roof!" my mother is screeching in reprimand, with a look that we know means trouble will follow later.
Dad just sighes. "Flavourless potatoes and rabbit food it is."
"You don't get potatoes on your diet." Her voice is flat and all business.
Poor Dad lookes like he got sucker punched.
Mom then turns her hurricane of energy toward me.
"Have you forgotten that we are leaving in a hour? Have you packed your toothbrush? Important papers? Your birth certificate? What about your phone charger, your laptop accessories and printer paper? What about a sweater? Do you have a sweater, you'll freeze to death in that t-shirt."
"Mom! It's university not the antarctic, I'm going to be fine!" This was expected but still exasperating.
I watch Dad backing away mouthing 'Take me with yoouu' as my mother finally lets the tears flow unhindered.
"My baby." she cries.
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