The Tire Swing

Brendon’s older brother had helped them hang the tire swing just in time for Alice’s sixth birthday. They had four trees in the backyard, but the oak had been the chosen one. Strong and sturdy, just like the family they were trying to be.

Alice’s sixth birthday and Druscilla four months pregnant with twins. After they cut the cake, they took Alice outside to show her the tire swing. Brendon lifted her up with his big, strong daddy arms. He showed her how to hold on to the tire tightly before he began to gently push her.

Druscilla stood to the fore, taking pictures with the twelve hundred dollar digital camera Brendon had bought her for Christmas. Memories for scrapbooks, the family newsletter Brendon’s mother sent out every month. Just today, just a family.

Just an afternoon on the brand-new tire swing.