On a sunny and clear day Bob stood at the corner, clutching Ronnie’s hand while they waited for the school bus to arrive.

“Why do you have to go?” Ronnie asked him.

“Work stuff. Very boring,” Bob answered quickly. But he mused, On a day like today, why do I have to go? Why can’t I skip work? Why can’t Ronnie skip school? We could spend the day with Mom at the shore and have corn dogs for lunch. There’s still 9 days of summer left. Or is it 10?

Bob could never remember if the seasons changed on the 20th or the 21st.

The bus arrived, and Ronnie shaking himself from Bob’s grip shook Bob from his reverie.

“Bring home an A’s cap?” Ronnie demanded as he climbed the steps of the bus.

“Traitor!” Bob laughed.

“I just like Giambi,” Ronnie explained.

The bus closed its doors and Bob wistfully watched it drive away. He was missing his son already.

Then Bob got in his own car and drove to Newark Airport. Bills still needed to be paid, even on perfect days like this. Besides, he would be back on Friday.