AFTER MATH

“Daddy?”  Seven year old Gus closed his books then looked up to ask his father a question.

“WHAT?!” Brian snapped back from behind his computer screen. 

Brian wasn’t having a good day.  His partner was out of town, his best graphic artist was out sick and the girls decided to swoop in for a visit, leaving Gus with Brian to babysit.  Babysitting included supervising Gus doing his homework.  So Brian was working from home and on a deadline.

“What, Gus?” Brian asked again as he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm himself.  It wasn’t Gus’ fault that the gods had chosen that day for fun and games.

“It’s after and you promised,” Gus announced with little boy confidence.

“After?” Brian asked, unsure of what he had promised.

“Yes,” Gus said as he approached his father’s desk.  Undeterred by Brian’s grumpiness, Gus made himself comfortable in Brian’s lap to further explain.  Brian immediately relaxed, his day made a little brighter with his boy in his arms.

“You said that after I finish my math we can go get ice cream.  Sooo, it’s after!”  Gus pronounced with a big smile. 

“I did say that, didn’t I, Sonny Boy,” Brian said with a gleam in his eyes.  That same gleam was reflected back by his son’s eyes as Gus nodded his head.  “Then I guess our only option is to go get ice cream,” Brian declared.

“YAY!” Gus shouted as he slid off Brian’s lap.  Brian smiled as Gus ran around the room searching for his sneakers and coat.

Saving his work then shutting down his computer, Brian grabbed his keys and jacket then waited by the door.

“Come on, Sonny Boy, it’s after math and the ice cream’s waiting.”

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