Glass (Crank 2)

Heather takes her own

measurements, which apparently

must tally. Why not?

I lead the way to the living

room, where the setting sun

paints spectacular colors

on the west-facing window.

Hunter’s awake, waving

his chubby fists at whatever

real or imagined air fairies

have caught his eye.

When he sees me, he smiles

his great, toothless smile.

“Hey, Sweetie,” I croon.

“Meet your Auntie Leigh

and your…” [Uncle Heather].

The rest of my sentence sticks

around that idea. It takes all

my willpower (and you know

how much of that there is)

not to laugh out loud.

Heather shoots me a look

laced with understanding

as Leigh picks up Hunter.

She gives him a big kiss,

folds him into her arms

like she used to caress Jake

when he was a baby. Oh, Heather.

Isn’t he adorable? she asks.

Heather gives Hunter a top