Errands and Ice Cream

“Noah, come on! We have to go!”

“I’m coming, Mommy. Knock, knock.”

“Not now! We have running to do.”

I grabbed his hand and hurried out the door. I buckled him into his carseat and started the car, my thoughts buzzing.

“Knock, knock Mommy.” I backed out of the drive. I have to pick up the dry cleaning, buy milk, get gas, and go to the post office. I’m never going to get it all done!

He continued talking nonstop as I answered with “mmm hmm”.

“Mommy, what time is it when an elephant sits on your bed? Huh, Mommy- what time is it?”

I looked at my watch. “Shit, it’s already 3:10!”

“No, Mommy. It’s time to get a new bed! Isn’t that funny?”

“Not now dear.” I paid the cleaners and headed for the store.

“Look! Ice cream!”

“Noah, we do not have time for that!”

“I know, Mommy. The sign is very pretty. I wanted you to see it.”

I saw the neon colored sign announcing, "Grand Opening of King’s Creamery. Ice cream cones fifty cents!” I turned and looked at Noah. He wasn’t asking me for anything- not even ice cream- he just wanted me to pay attention. Without hesitation, I pulled into King’s Creamery.

We walked up to the window, ordered two chocolate cones and sat at a bench. Noah took a big bite. “You’re the best Mommy ever!”

No, I’m not, I thought.

“Are we done running?”

I thought of errands undone. “Yeah, this is more important.”

His smile was wide and toothless. “Knock, knock Mommy.”

“Who’s there?”

“Boo.”

“Boo who?”

“You don’t have to cry- it’s just a joke!” He dissolved into giggles. “Get it, Mommy?”

I laughed out loud. “Yep, that’s a good one! Hey, Noah- knock, knock.”



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296 words