“Six years, Maddie,” I announced early this morning as I stepped into the office. “Happy Maddie-versary.”
Maddie, sprawled across her bed, cracked open an eye.
“What do you want to do today,” I asked.
“That’s right,” Maddie yawned, stretching. “It’s my birthday. That makes me…” she calculated. “Twelve. Ish.”
“Yep. I’m afraid that makes you a tween.”
“Wazzat?”
“Marketing demographic. Nevermind. Just don’t start obsessing over sparkling vampires.” I sat down at my desk, checked e-mail. Finding nothing too pressing, I turned back to Maddie. “So, what do you want to do with the day?”
“I dunno, What were you planning?”
“I figured I’d take a nice, long walk, since we’ve got a break in the rain. Then drive down to work.”
Maddie stretched, stepping out of bed. “Can I come with?”
“To work? Sure.”
“I meant for the walk.” Maddie scratched an ear. “Can we go to Walnut Park?”
“Sounds good.”
“Can I go on the slide?” She followed me out to the living room, where I gathered up her harness, lead, and sweater.
“It’s your day, Maddie,” I said. “Let’s go have some fun.”
We walked to the park, enjoying the crisp and rainless day. And sure enough, Maddie went on the slide.
“Six years, Maddie,” I asked. “What do you want to do next?”
Maddie scratched an ear, considering the question. “I think I wanna go on the swings next.”
Five Years… 2009
Four Years… 2008
Three Years… 2007
Two Years… 2006
One Year… 2005
First pics… 2004
“Thanks for sticking around, folks!” says Maddie.
