“Well, we’ve got to wait for the rental company to take away all the tables and chairs. Then I thought we’d maybe go down to the playground and see what’s happening. Maybe get some ice cream. Then we’ve got to be sure all your homework is done for tomorrow, get some supper, get a bath, and get some z’s.”

“Where are you sleeping?” Hunter said.

“I don’t know,” I said. “We never talked about it.”

“You could sleep in Daddy’s bed,” Hunter said.

“Oh, no,” I said. “No, no, no. I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” Hunter said.

“You’ll understand someday, but no, I can’t do that,” I said.

Tyler gave me a sly look that said he had an inkling of why it might be weird for me to sleep there and said, “Well, I’ve got bunk beds. Hunter, why don’t you sleep in my room and let’s give Miss Holly your room? How’s that?”

“Perfect! That’s a very good compromise!” I said. “Now, let’s go check your backpacks to make sure you’re ready for school tomorrow.”

“I might have been supposed to do a math worksheet,” Tyler said.

“Piece of cake,” I said. “Let’s get on it so it’s done.”

It didn’t take long for the few chores we had to be completed, and the rental company actually came earlier than expected.

“Y’all ready to go for a walk?” I asked.

“Definitely!” Hunter said. “But I want to ride my bike.”

“But there’s no bike for me!” I said.

“Miss Holly’s right. Let’s walk!” Tyler said.

There we were, the three of us, strolling down Middle Street toward the playground. Sometimes the boys seemed like they were so very young, and on other occasions, they possessed a depth of wisdom that belied their years. I imagined losing their mother had a lot to do with that.