“Morning, Eleanor! How are you doing?” Mike asked when he spotted his neighbor in the hallway, wearing a house dress dusted with flour. “Morning, Mike! I’m doing just fine. Decided to treat myself to a fresh apple pie.”
“You and little Polly should come by later. I’ll have something sweet ready,” the older woman said warmly when she noticed the little girl half hiding behind her father. “We’d love to, but I’ve got to head out on a run in a couple of hours. Would you mind keeping an eye on Polly while I’m gone?” Mike asked carefully, hoping he wasn’t imposing.
“You know I’m always happy to help. My own kids moved out of state years ago and don’t make it home much. Polly’s like a granddaughter to me already,” Eleanor said with a kind smile. She knew how hard it was for a widower to raise a child alone while spending days on the road.
“I really appreciate it. Here—this should help cover groceries and anything else you need while I’m away,” he said, handing her a few bills. Eleanor hesitated, then accepted. Her Social Security check didn’t stretch very far, and having a little one around always meant extra expenses.
“Daddy, will you bring me back a new toy?” five-year-old Polly asked, looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes. “Of course I will, sweetheart,” Mike said with a smile. He simply couldn’t say no to that little face—blue eyes, blond curls, and all.
“Just come home soon,” Polly said softly. “I will. Three days, and I’ll be back. That’s a promise. And then we’ll go ride the carousel,” he said, crouching down and hugging her tight.
“Polly, want to help me bake while your dad packs?” Eleanor asked, trying to distract the child and give Mike a chance to get ready. “Yes!” Polly said at once. She loved helping Eleanor in the kitchen. She wasn’t much use yet, but she was fascinated by the way ordinary ingredients turned into something wonderful.
“Then it’s settled. Give your daddy a kiss and come on in,” Eleanor said, heading back toward the stove without even shutting her apartment door. “Daddy, I love you so much,” Polly whispered, blinking back tears as she threw her arms around his neck. “I love you too, peanut.”
“Be good while I’m gone, okay? If you behave, I’ll bring back the best present ever.” Mike said it partly as encouragement, partly because he meant it. “Okay,” the little girl murmured, still holding on.
A few minutes later Polly trotted off toward the smell of baked apples drifting from next door. Once Mike was sure his little girl was in good hands, he went back to finish packing. He tossed everything he’d need for the next three days into a duffel bag and headed out to meet his driving partner.
Outside, the cold hit him hard. He shivered and realized right away he’d dressed too lightly…
