Wonder

made us crack up. While we were laughing, we noticed Jack had
arrived and was walking over to our car. I started to get out.
“Hold on,” said Dad. “I just want to make sure you’ve forgiven me,
okay?”
“Yes, I forgive you.”
He looked at me gratefully. “Thank you.”
“But don’t ever throw anything else of mine out again without
telling me!”
“I promise.”
I opened the door and got out just as Jack reached the car.
“Hey, Jack,” I said.
“Hey, Auggie. Hey, Mr. Pullman,” said Jack.
“How you doin’, Jack?” said Dad.
“See you later, Dad,” I said, closing the door.
“Good luck, guys!” Dad called out, rolling down the front window.
“See you on the other side of fifth grade!”
We waved as he turned on the ignition and started to pull away,
but then I ran over and he stopped the car. I put my head in the
window so Jack wouldn’t hear what I was saying.
“Can you guys not kiss me a lot after graduation?” I asked quietly.
“It’s kind of embarrassing.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“Tell Mom, too?”
“I don’t think she’ll be able to resist, Auggie, but I’ll pass it along.”
“Bye, dear ol’ Dad.”
He smiled. “Bye, my son, my son.”