There was a knock at the door. Firm and steady. Her mother went to answer it, wondering who would be out in this weather. A moment later, David walked into the kitchen. He was wearing a damp raincoat, and he was carrying a large box wrapped in a bright red bow.
Allison stood up, nearly knocking over her coffee. — “David? What are you doing here? This is… this is highly inappropriate!” But David wasn’t looking at her. He was looking at Nicky, who had gone silent with curiosity. — “Hey there, big guy. I heard a rumor that a guy named Nicky lives here, and he’s in desperate need of a high-speed electric train set.”
— “A choo-choo?” Nicky whispered, his eyes widening. — “The best one in the world. It has smoke, a whistle, and ten feet of track. But,” David leaned in conspiratorially, “I only give trains to guys who finish their breakfast. It’s a rule.”
— “I eat it!” Nicky shouted, grabbing his spoon. David sat down at the table, still in his coat. Allison silently pushed a bowl toward him. They sat there in silence while Nicky shoveled down his oatmeal. Her mother watched from the doorway with a knowing smile.
Five minutes later, the bowl was empty. — “Done!” Nicky announced. Soon, the two of them were on the living room rug. A corporate executive and a two-year-old, meticulously connecting plastic tracks.
Allison stood in the doorway, watching them, and felt the last of the ice around her heart finally shatter. Her mother whispered, “I’ll go put the kettle on,” and slipped away. Allison walked over and sat on the floor next to them.
The train whistled as it rounded a curve. David looked up at Allison. The look in his eyes wasn’t about work or “VP operations.” It was the same look he’d given her on the beach. — “Allison, I’m done playing the ‘boss’ role on the weekends,” he said quietly. — “I’m here because I don’t want to be anywhere else. I want to be a part of this. Every day.”
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