A Happy Birthday?

Young Hunter

They stand at the top of the steps and look down.

Joe feels her hesitation.

'I've got you baby, I won't let you fall', he promises and he holds his arm out for her to tuck her hand into and together they take it step by step, each one bringing them closer to the tarmac, to setting foot on Nantucket for another family Thanksgiving trip.

The trip through the outskirts of town is fine.

The house is familiar.

The kids are great, they carry luggage and unpack and prepare snacks and tidy up

But everything is off. Nothing feels right.

They're only inside and Jill is so exhausted by the journey that Joe helps her upstairs and stays with her while she naps.

In the evening they reassemble in the living room. An array of limbs and shoes and socks and discarded clothes, books, lego and toys fill every available space but to the right of the living room, leading to the kitchen and bathroom in one direction and the stairs and front door in the other is a pristine pathway, designated for Nana, where nothing is allowed to be placed; ensuring a hazard free walkway for her use.

Joe had been so pleased by the kid's practical thoughtfulness he'd wasted no time in telling them and soon they all relaxed a little, glad to have done something positive to help Nana.

They spend the rest of the evening together.

The adults looked on as the kids played Jenga on the floor, holding their breaths and then cheering when the teetering pike stayed in place. At one point little Beau tossed a soft toy in the air and it had landed in the sacred pathway to yells of disdain. The little boy looked up, startled at the noise. He'd wobbled towards Joe who'd scooped him up on his lap, mindful of his injured wife beside him. He hugged his youngest grandchild and calmly explained to him that nothing was allowed on 'Nana's pathway'.

Beau wriggled free and trundled towards the designated space and pointed. 'Nana's pathway', he stated, looking back at Pop who nodded and held his thumb up and the child wandered away, content that he understood.

'Nana's pathway', had officially entered the family lore.

Later, the monopoly board was pulled out and they'd all taken their turns until Maisy won her second straight game and Joe felt Jill begin to fidget again. An hour ago she'd finally found a comfortable position, sitting on the floor and leaning against her husband, letting him take her weight but now she started to shift again; discomfort and pain winning out. Her fingers began to rub against his knee, silently communicating her situation to him.

He leaned closer and pressed his lips to her hair. 'Wanna go to bed?' he asked.

She nodded, and in a flash the kids began to move and had the whole living room cleared up in record time.

When their grandparents were safely upstairs the kids chatted amongst themselves. Sadly they noted that no plans had been made for tomorrow; a fact that was disturbing in itself. They ALWAYS made plans before bed for the following day's activities on Nanatucket.

It seemed that it was truly aptly named this year. The kids agreed that they would make the best of the trip but whatever they did would revolve around Nana and her needs. The problem was; none of them were exactly sure how to do that.

In the morning Joe was downstairs pouring beans in the blender when he heard the outside door close. He turned as he heard footsteps approaching.

'Hey buddy', he said, seeing young Hunter walking into the kitchen. 'You need anything?' Joe asked, looking around. He spied Glen walking past the window and vaguely wondered what was going on.