Peace offering

A couple of days ago, Ethan really scared me. We were out for a walk, he on his bike with me lagging behind. I have always emphasized all sorts of safety rules like checking driveways for cars backing up and most of all, stopping at the end of the street and waiting for me to catch up and cross with him. The driveway thing is tough since there is one roughly every twenty five feet. But he has always been good about never even stepping off the sidewalk without me. Until two days ago.

We were walking in an area that I generally try to steer clear of since it has been a busy construction spot lately. Let's just say there are multiple reasons for avoiding this corner, most of them human. But, there we were with Ethan far ahead of me, stopped on his bike at the four way intersection. I think he was just bored and spacing out a little but for whatever reason, as I watched in surprise, he pedalled casually out into the middle of the road.

Well, let's just say I forgot about any possible spectators and lost it a little. There was some yelling and general unpleasantness. Happily, there were no cars nearby and all was ultimately ok but I was pretty angry and determined to impress upon Ethan the error of his ways. I lectured and threatened all the way home. Ethan seemed genuinely sorry, apologizing over and over. He seemed as surprised by his behavior as I was.

I was still fuming when we got home and went quickly inside while Ethan stayed out back to kick the ball around. A few minutes later, he came in and walked up to me with something in his hand. He looked up at me with confidence. "This forgives me", he said and handed me these flowers.