The next morning came to quickly and I rolled out of bed reluctantly. I got a quick shower and got dressed. Then I snuck into Riley's room to wake her only to find an empty bed.
"Riley!" I called a bit loudly.
I heard a giggle so I called again,"Riley Jane".
Another giggle came from under the bed. A small smile spread across my face, "come out, come out wherever you are." Nothing.
"Alright, I guess Meme's chocolate chip pancakes are all mine."
I started walking towards the door when a small hand grabbed my ankle. I faked a scared scream and pulled the hand the rest of the way out.
"My pancakes!" she called back as she ran passed me out the door. I chased her all the way to the kitchen giggling as we cleared the two flights of stairs.
"Beat you!" Riley called in victory.
"You sure did. You are fast." I called back as I grabbed a cup of hot tea.
"Morning Frog. How are you feeling?" my dad asked, as he kissed the top of Riley's head.
She gave him a huge grin covered in chocolate and said, "great."
He smiled back and fixed a cup of coffee. A short time later mom and Danny came down.
"Some things never change." Danny stated, starring at my cup.
"Agreed. When was the last time you took a shower?" I joked, plugging my nose.
"Uncle Danny!" Riley squealed jumping into his arms.
"Hey Frog. Long time no see." he gave her a hug and then put her down.
"Go get dressed Riley. We are gonna go shopping." I grinned.
"Yay!" she shouted and then barreled up the stairs.
"It's not gonna be the same once shes gone." Dad said with a sigh.
"What do you mean?" Danny asked, clueless as to what dad meant.
I stared at mom and dad both waiting for someone to speak. When neither did I took it upon myself to explain.
" The doctors are saying she's only got six months to live." I said, my voice catching in my throat.
He looked at me wide-eyed for a minute before speaking,"but thats just a guess right? I mean she could live past that?"
"Of course Danny. That's just a round about not an exact. She will go when the good Lord decides it's time to take her." I replied. Not to soon I said to myself.
Danny snorted making me come out of my thoughts. I turned to see why everyone was giggling and there stood Riley in a pink tutu, a yellow shirt and her pair of frog shaped rubber boots.
"That's what you want to wear?" I asked, mortified.
Riley shook her head enthusiastically. I let out a sigh and said, "ok."
I grabbed my keys and out the door we went.
"Where to?" I asked her as she buckled her belt.
