Let's Take a Walk By Littlewing1957
“Been a long time, dad!” It was Jenny Del-Mar Mills, sitting right next to her father on his over-stuffed sofa. “Too long, baby,” Ennis answered as he took his youngest child’s hand in his. Ennis studied his daughter. The years had been kind to her. She was very well dressed, and looked well fed. She was also about 6 months along. Ennis glanced at his child’s belly. He couldn’t believe that he would soon have 4 grandchildren! “How you feelin?” Ennis asked her with great concern. This child was not Jenny’s first, and her previous pregnancy had not been an easy one. Ennis remembered being in the waiting room when Jenny delivered little Sanders. His grandson barely made it into the world. “I’m doing okay.” Jenny’s voice was mild. “Doctor says I should have it easy this time around.” Ennis smiled and nodded. He was feeling better about everything.
Jenny looked around her father’s living room. It was modest, but certainly a big step up from his trailer. Jenny folded her hands over her belly and clasped them together. She was as shy as her dad: never one to carry on a chatty conversation. But there was really no need. The silence between them was anything but awkward. Where Ennis and Alma Jr. had a more vocal relationship, his dealings with Jenny were more cerebral, almost psychic. It was not always so. Jenny was a wanderer. But when she met and married Graydon Mills, everything seemed to fall into place. Ennis found himself walking his baby daughter down the aisle, and since then, he couldn’t get rid of her. Ennis didn’t mind – he loved having her around. But just last year Graydon’s job transferred him to Colorado, thus Jenny’s visits were less frequent. Six months was longer than Jenny could take being away from her dad. She had to see him, and brought her family along. Graydon and little Sanders were visiting with Alma and Monroe.
Ennis looked out the window at his neighborhood. It was a beautiful spring afternoon. The wind was high, but carried on it the scent of pine and flowers in bloom. “Let’s take a walk, dad!” Jenny blurted, as though she had read his mind. “It is so nice outside! Let’s go walk in the park and watch the children play.” Ennis chuckled and rose from the couch. “Let me buy you an ice cream?” He asked, as he pulled on his jacket. “I would like that very much!” Jenny answered as she donned her sweater. Ennis grabbed his keys from his small desk and gestured for his child. He offered his arm, and they walked down to the park, not a word spoken. No words needed.