Mikey

“Dinner’s ready!” Josh's mom called as she set the last of the food on the table. “Come and sit down so we can eat.”

“I’m coming!” Josh called back. When he finally walked into the dining room, he asked, “Have you seen Mikey?”

“No, I haven’t. He’s your little friend. I can't see him, remember? Now sit down and let’s eat.”

Josh clambered up into his chair and waited while his mom piled mashed potatoes, corn, and some chicken onto his plate. “Mom, don’t put any corn on Mikey’s plate. He doesn't like corn.” Josh said.

“Mikey isn’t here tonight, right? I won’t put anything on his plate so it doesn’t get cold.” She said.

“Well, still put a little bit of the other stuff on there, just in case he shows up.” Josh watched as his mom put a spoonful of mashed potatoes and a small chunk of chicken onto the third plate on the table.

As they ate, they chatted about what Josh had learned in school that day and what homework he had left to do, but occasionally Josh would swing his head around looking for something. After they finished eating, Josh helped his mom bring the dishes into the kitchen. He made sure to save the third plate for last, but eventually he had to bring it in.

“Since Mikey’s not here, why don't you go ahead and finish that for him? We wouldn't want it to go to waste.”

Josh dutifully ate the little bits of food, then proceeded to walk around the house, glancing in every room and calling out for his friend. “Mikey! Mikey!” After a couple minutes, Josh gave up and his mother tried to get him to start on his homework.

“I don’t want to do my homework until I find Mikey. He always helps me with it.”

“I’m sure Mikey will turn up eventually, but you still need to do your homework. Would you like me to help you with it instead?” she asked.

“Yeah, I guess. I like it better when Mikey helps me though.”

After Josh finished his homework, the two of them watched some of his favorite cartoons together. When those were finished, his mom had him brush his teeth and get ready for bed. Josh climbed under the sheets, and then his mom sat on the side of the bed the same way she did every night.

“So what do you want me to read to you tonight? What about Yertle the Turtle? You haven’t heard that one in a while.”

“I don’t want you to read me a story tonight. I’m getting too old for that.”

“Too old for Yertle? You can never be too old for Yertle.”

“Mom, I’m not a little kid anymore.”

“Alright, alright, I understand. You're just growing up so fast.” She paused for a moment, and then she stroked Josh’s hair. “You know, your dad used to read you Yertle. I think he’d be proud of how grown up you are now. Good night, Josh.”

“Good night, Mom.”

Later that night, as Josh slept, a figure appeared at his bedside. It watched Josh sleep for a moment, and then bent down, kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “Good-bye, son.”

Josh shifted a bit and murmured back, “Bye, Mikey.”