Disclaimer: Batman and related characters are the properties of DC COMICS. This is an original fan fiction story, not written for profit and not intended to infringe on their copyright.
Day at the Park
By: Shannyn Grayson Ivy
"Hey old man, whatchadoing?" He bursts through the front door, practically screaming.
"Sleeping." I grumble and reach for the afghan I nearly dropped when he came darting in.
"Its waaaaaaaaay too pretty a day to be kicked back in a recliner." He informs me. Lucky for me I have his expert advice in these matters.
"What say you and I go out?" His voice is so chipper that I want to, no, correction need to, hurt him.
"McGinnis. Leave. Now." From beside me Ace growls his warning as well. Both of us are terminally nocturnal. I reach down and pet his massive head. It's nice to have an ally.
"Oh, both of you need to get a life!" He informs us. That's a dangerous declaration around Ace. He and I both look to each other and then back to McGinnis. I snap my fingers and Ace is up and running. In a mere two seconds remember Ace was sleepy the enormous canine had him pegged to the hard wood floor. Standing above him, teeth bared, Ace nonchalantly awaits my instructions.
"You were saying?" I inquire.
"I was…going to ask…" Terry stops there. Ace's front left paw is pressed against his windpipe.
"Ace, let the boy speak." When Ace growls my way, I amend my tone. "Please." I add softly. Ace removes his front paws but manages to lie down completely on top of Terry as though he was getting comfy on the sofa.
"Go on McGinnis. You were saying?" I prompt him and pretend not to notice the huge amount of drool Ace is attempting to drown him with.
"I was going to ask if you guys wanted to come with me to the park." Terry blurted out.
"Park?" I ask surprised "Why?"
"It's a beautiful day…" He starts.
"You SAID that already." I growl.
"We could…I don't know. Have a picnic lunch. I bet you haven't eaten yet. Maybe we could get some ice cream there. Sit down by that dock you like and look out at the lake. Who knows, maybe toss some frizbalz? What do ya say?" His young voice trails off. He's dropping the happy go lucky act. Something is definitely bothering him. I look down at my watch without making it obvious, taking note of the date.
"Ace, I think that's the best idea I've heard in a long time." Ace looks confused. It's a no brainer that he would rather take another nap, preferably on Terry.
"Go get your leash boy, we're headed for town."
Ace reluctantly does as he's told and Terry wastes no time returning to the upright position.
I hand the boy some tissue to wipe away the dog drool. He accepts it gratefully.
"So…what made you change your mind?" The boy asks sheepishly. It's not hard to figure out that he doesn't want me to be able to see through his pain.
"Well…if you tell anyone I'll deny it." I explain. "But a day at the park with you sounds very pleasing."
Instantly a smile covers his young handsome face. "Yea? Really?" He asks in disbelief.
"Yea, really." I answer in a mocking tone. Then more seriously I add. "You always take good care of me. Not an easy task I'm sure but I do appreciate it, son."
His mouth drops wide open and doesn't close. It just hangs there. I can see in his emotion clouded blue eyes that I have somehow said the right thing. Wish I could have done that more often in my life. Still I, better than anyone, understand the pain of losing a parent. I'm deeply honored that he chose the mutt and me to help him get through this very tough day.
Looking back, I guess as bright, sunny afternoons go, it wasn't a total washout. Who knew throwing frizbalz would turn out to be so much like tossing a Batarang? Maybe, I'll take the kid and the mutt back to the park on the anniversary of my parent's death. Not that I plan on telling him what it's about. He's a pretty smart kid though. He'll know.