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And Beth Ellen, you were there, and Sport, and Janie…

Mom? Are we there yet?

I want to be Harriet the Spy.

I mean, I’ve wanted to be Harriet since 1980, but this time I want to be Harriet living in a highrise apartment in Canada. I want to wake up in the morning and run shivering over to the heater and turn it up. Then, before anyone else wakes up, I want to go out onto the balcony with a cup of coffee (no, it’s a fantasy, I can drink whatever I want to) and watch the dawn break over the city.

After Todd cooks breakfast, I want to get Paul bundled up and throw on a coat, and walk Todd out to his car. Then I want to hold Paul’s hand as we make our way through the light snow to the humid warmth of the subway. I want to buy two tokens and head off to a homeschool playgroup. When we walk in, the coolest mom there - the one with the shaved head - will wave happily to us and pat the seat next to her. Paul will play with the other kids, and when he comes to the table to eat a peanut butter sandwich, he will say, “I learned all aboot that little brown-haired boy! He’s really nice.”

(That’s the real reason we’re moving. To hear a five year old say “aboot” and “surry”.)

After the homeschool playgroup, I want to take the subway home. Paul will push the elevator button and we will ride up, up, up, watching the numbers on the screen change faster and faster. When the elevator dings, we will walk down the hall and unlock our door. Paul and I will do our French homework together, and by the time we’re finished I’ll be able to say, “Ce n’était pas un rêve. C’était un endroit, et vous et vous et vous et vous étaient là. Mais vous ne pourriez pas avoir été, pourriez you?… aucune tante Em, ceci est un vrai, véritablement de phase endroit.”

Later, after Todd makes dinner, I’ll read on the couch while Todd and Paul play chess, and the snow will come down, silently.

We join the backgammon match already in progress…

Chase