Seven

I have quads

I could have had quads too if I played it differently!

We’ve just sat down to dinner and the cards are on the table for a quick game of Pepito. Dealt like Bridge or Hearts, you arrange your 13 cards into 3 hands in ascending order. 3,5,5.

It’s the perfect, fun distraction from hunger as we await our meal.

The evening is misty but warm, and we’re perched on the patio at one of our favorite Vietnamese ‘bun’ (pronounced boon) restaurants. There’s a bowl on the way, rich with sweet fish sauce, grilled pork, greens, complimented by the absolute best freshly-blended fruit and veggie juices. It’s our go-to when we need something light and healthy.

I’ve got a beet-carrot mix with ice on the way. And I’m Thursday.

Hi Thursday, I’m Dad.

There’s a gentle, easy energy to the four of us. We’re happy to share this time after an extremely challenging week at school.

Mosquito spray arrives at the table and we take measures.

While we measure out our hands.

I have a mini straight flush

Seven eight nine

Hey!

We immediately all land on the same joke.

Why was six afraid of seven?

Because seven eight nine!

We almost say in unison. There’s a moment of chuckling interspersed with groans.

They’re growing up, now well old enough to grasp the comedic genius juxtaposed with the corny. And R offers his rebuttal.

Why was six afraid of Papa?

Because he keeps making the same bad joke.

---