Stu Gets A Job

"Come here, champ," Stu said, lifting Tommy out of the playpen and holding him high in the air. Tommy giggled and wiggled his little arms and legs in delight; he loved it when his daddy carried him around! He could see so much of the house… it was like he was flying.

Stu carried him over to his chair and sat down, placing Tommy on his lap. He looked down at his son and smiled, reaching down and stroking his head gently. His little champ. His fighter. It was why he worked so hard, so that Tommy could have all he deserved.

Which is why he hated what he had to tell him.

"Listen buddy," Stu said softly, "Uncle Drew arranged for me to do a tour of a bunch of toy companies for the next two weeks so that we could sell my new Bubblematic toy. I need to show the execs how it works and teach their workers how to assemble them so they can mass produce them. And when they do… we are going to make so much money."

Tommy just stared at his daddy. He had no idea what 'money' was. His daddy and mommy talked about it a lot so it must be important… maybe it was a kind of candy? He wanted candy!

"But that's going to mean things are going to be different for a little while," Stu told him. "I'm not going to be here as much. I'll need to leave… sometimes before you even finish breakfast."

Tommy frowned at that. Leave before he ate breakfast? But then how were they going to watch the Dummi Bears? Maybe watch them first and then breakfast?

"And I won't be here to get you your lunch either champ."

Then who would play toss and catch with him?

"But I'll be here in time for supper, I promise!" Stu assured him.

Not till SUPPER?! But… but that was forever and ever! What about watching the second airing of the Dummi Bears? Or getting their afternoon snack? Or playing outside in the sandbox?!

"And I'm going to be tired and warn out but I promise… I will do all I can to be there for you, okay champ?" Stu leaned down and kissed Tommy's head, not realizing the fears and concerns Tommy was feeling. He didn't like this… not at all! His daddy couldn't leave him, they were buddies! They always spent time together!

No… Tommy would stop this!

~MC~MC~MC~

"Bye Tommy, time to sell some toys" Stu said, waving happily to the baby… who tried to signal for him to stay but it looked like he was waving back. Stu grinned, feeling really good that Tommy was okay with him leaving. "Probably won't even notice I'm gone," he said as he pulled out of the drive.

Tommy fought back tears, wondering if he'd ever see his daddy again.