When the party was over, Devin’s family and a couple of his friends trickled out of the house. He smiled, hugged and kissed, and waved to each and every one of them in the doorway thanking them for their gifts and for coming. He was 13 now. It was a big milestone.
He closed the front door and went back into the kitchen where his mother was cleaning up.
“Do you need any help?” he asked slowly. He was hoping she’d say no, but he thought he’d be polite.
“No, dear. You got upstairs and enjoy your gifts.” His mother said smiling at him over her shoulder.
Devin let out a sigh of relief, but he was hoping she didn’t notice. “Okay, well thank you for everything today. I had a great day.”
His mother turned off the faucet and dried her hands on a towel turning around. She leaned against the counter. “I’m glad you had a good day. I still can’t believe you’re 13…”
Devin smiled sheepishly looking down.
“That was some blanket, huh?”
Devin snapped his head up. “You couldn’t tell I was…?”
“Surprised?” his mother winked.
“Sure,”
His mother smiled somberly. “You know your grandmother hasn’t been doing too well. I had to keep reminding her about your birthday. She was so excited and wanted to make something special for you. Remember she made you a baby blanket? For some reason, she had her heart set on making another blanket for you for this milestone.”
Devin nodded. This was making a lot more sense. He knew his grandmother wasn’t doing too hot in the nursing home. In fact, every day they wondered if it would be her last. It took a lot for them to get her out of the nursing home just so she could come to his party.
“I mean, it’s a nice blanket. It’s very soft.” Devin replied positively. It was true; it was soft to the touch. Due to the rainbow of colors, it might just have to stay inside his closet.
“It took her three months. Her knitting hands aren’t exactly what they used to be. But I think that was the kind of project she needed. She’s been so lonely in the nursing home.” His mother explained. “I’m proud that you didn’t make any disgusted faces… she specifically asked for those colors. I picked up the yarn for her. I tried to leave out the orange claiming I had forgotten about it, but she sent me right back to the store.”
Devin laughed. “Well, thank you for trying.”
“She means well.” His mother shrugged chuckling.
Devin frowned.
“What is it?”
“I never got a chance to thank her.”
His mother smiled. “Oh, that’s no problem. We can go to the nursing home and visit her.”
Devin nodded. “I think she’d like that.”
Words: 805
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