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“Of course,” I replied brightly “This is ood deed”

Saht”

H had sounded halfhearted—more like a fa why But he see a crucial puzzle piece

“I know you mentioned that Lincoln doesn’tthe season, but he seemed excited at the prospect of a tree”

“He’s eight, Chet Everything is exciting at his age”

“Yes, but—”

“It’s true A tree isn’t what he wants from me This is where he coh solorified babysitter forhiious and because I’ life would be a hell of a lot easier if I had your job”

I cocked my head curiously “How so?”

“You do so that interests hiuy like you, and I don’t know shit about science”

Silence

I wasn’t sure what to say, so I ith the obvious “Oh You’re upset”

“No, no I’ sorry for ht I was being clever inviting you over today, but I think I outeda better part-time parent after all”

“It probably isn’t appropriate for h in on the matter, but froreat parent You’ve noted that your passions don’t align and have made the effort to learn…shit about science” I waited for his bout of laughter to subside before continuing, “And isn’t part-ti maudlin from excess time off?”

Sa sadness, like a ray of light through the clouds on a rainy day

“Maybe I a me into an existential ar at the TV for the defense to kick some ass and the next, I’ what the secret is to being what everyone wants”

“If it makes you feel any better…pleasure is a matter of perspective It’s simply not possible to please everyone But I’ blue”

“I’m okay” He bumped my shoulder playfully “Thank you I’m actually much better now”