Acorns and Butterflies

Part 4

"Um, thanks for coming with me," Luther said.

It was awkward being alone on an airplane with his mother.

"You're welcome, dear," Mom said. "It's exciting, isn't it?"

"What is?" Luther said.

"Being on an airplane!" Mom said, giggling.

"Oh," Luther said. "Um, yeah."

I've been on an airplane loads of times before, Luther thought. But I guess Mom hasn't... 'cause she never leaves the Academy.

"We can pretend we're on summer vacation!" Mom said. "Doesn't that sound fun?"

"Summer vacation?" Luther said.

"Yes," Mom said, clapping her hands together. "Like the children in those magazines your sister likes to read?"

"Oh," Luther said. "Uh... right. We can be on vacation."

Luther frowned at his knees. Then he said, "But... um, other families usually go on vacation with everyone in the family, right?"

"Yessir," Mom said. "But... hmm... we can pretend that your siblings started the vacation without you. And you, being a busy man, decided to postpone your vacation because you were too busy saving the world to go on vacation with them."

Luther sighed.

"Not to worry, honey," Mom said. "I'm sure your siblings will be delighted when you join them on their vacation!"

"Right," Luther said.

Then, glancing quickly at his mother, then back at his knees, Luther said, "Uh... can I, uh, be alone with my thoughts? For a bit?"

"Of course, sweetie," Mom said. "I shall silence myself."

"Thank you," Luther said. "Sorry."

"No need to be sorry, darling," Mom said.

"Sorry," Luther said.

Then he closed his eyes and pretended to take a nap.