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Bellingham, Washington

Friday, March 13, 2020

When Friday came around that week, Mel was back to being her old self. That’s what you have to do when you’re a cop. You have

to set your personal opinions aside and do your job. She called shortly after the nonexistent final bell sounded on distance

learning for the week. Kyle was relieved, and so was I.

“Hey,” she said. “Our favorite Thai place sent me an email saying they’re switching over to takeout from now on. Do you want

me to bring home dinner?”

I held the phone away from my face and relayed her question to Kyle.

“Absolutely!” he replied.

It was over dinner that the conversation finally turned to his father. I don’t know if Kyle was aware of it, but as far as Mel and I were concerned, his looming departure had been the elephant in the room all week long.

“I’ve made up my mind about Dad,” he said.

At that point the dinner table went completely silent.

“And?” Mel was the one who asked the question. For some reason, I couldn’t quite make my voice work.

“It’s not my fault that he can’t keep his pants zipped,” Kyle said. “Kayla and I talked it over. She said Mom’s never been

happier. I think she always knew Dad was fooling around on her, but she tried to hide it from everybody, including us. So

Mom’s not going back to Dad, and I’m not, either. If it’s okay with you, that is.”

“Fine with me,” I managed, trying to play it cool.

“With me, too,” Mel said.

At that point Kyle Cartwright favored both of us with one of his sly grins. “It’s settled then,” he said. “You’re stuck with

me for the duration, distance learning and all.”