Imagine with me…

A Day With Thaddeus
I had just finished up my late breakfast. The dog needed walked early this morning, and so coffee and eggs had to happen later than usual. Rinsing off my plate in the sink, I peered out my kitchen window at the hummingbirds drinking from the feeder. It's hot here in July, and the birds know where to get a sweet sip this time of day. My phone rings on the counter. Who could be calling on a Saturday? The screen reads Thaddeus. That old chap? I wonder what he wants.
"Hey there, Thad! I haven't heard from you in a while!"
"Hello, old friend. Christine and I were just out back on the porch swing, and your name came up."
"Oh? Nothing bad I hope?"
"You? Never! Just reminiscing. Say, how would you feel about a summertime visit? The weather is near perfect here right now, a tad warm, but the air conditioning helps. What does your schedule look like in the near future?"
"You know me, retired now. I make my own schedule. I can write from wherever I want these days."
"How about a flight to SoCal? I can meet you tonight in the Gulfstream. See you in a few hours!"
"Thanks for the heads up!" I joke. "I'll pack a bag!" An unplanned, spontaneous trip is just what I need to clear the cobwebs.
*
I wait at the local airport. Thaddeus arrives in the G550, the beauty that she is. He greets me at the stairs with a handshake-pull-into-a-hug embrace.
"Thaddeus Murfee!"
"John! I'm so glad you were free. Let's head back home, eh? Christine is with the kids. She'll have breakfast ready in the morning!"
"That sounds perfect, Thad. I can't wait."
"Sit up front with me?"
"Wouldn't have it any other way, my friend."
*
I walk into the kitchen, and Christine greets me with a warm hug.
"John! We were so happy you said yes! We have missed you!"
"You haven't aged a bit, Chris," I say. "Something smells wonderful."
She turns around and fills a plate for me. "Is that biscuits and gravy? How did you remember?"
"Your favorites are often our favorites, too! I couldn't resist! She delivers the plate to the table where Thaddeus is seated, reading the paper.
"Wow, a real newspaper?" I ask. "I'm sure those have been archived in the history museums by now," I tease.
"You know me, John. Trying to stay up-to-date on the latest. Some days I can't finish reading though. Too much hurt. I'm definitely feeling defeated lately."
I look around and notice the empty plates scattering the table. "Kids eat already?"
"Oh, you betcha," Christine says. "They're out in the pasture now. Can't keep 'em off the horses these days!"
"Well, I'd love to join them!" I stop talking so I can start eating. I miss the Murfee kids, all million of them.
*
The three of us walk across the expansive back yard to join the children in the barn. Celena and Sarai are brushing and detailing. Turquoise is off with her friends somewhere. Parkus, Chad and Missy are already gone on a hike.
"Hi, girls!" I holler at the two.
"Hey, Mr. John!" They put their tools down and hop the fence to come greet me with a big hug. Squeeze. The two turn right back around to continue their routine.
"What a life you have built." I say distantly, as we watch the girls comb.
"We couldn't have done it without you, John."
I laugh. "What's the plan for the day?"
"Well, pretty open. I need to stop by the office for a bit, check in with BAT. There's a couple cases I want to stay filled in on."
"Don't mind if I join you, do you?"
"No, in fact, there's one I would really like your opinion on. I just can't seem to see through the sludge."
"Well, what are friends for?"
"Exactly."