Once my hands feel warm again, he drops them and I start for his home. Along the way, we sing plenty of songs at the top of our lungs. We laugh and tease the whole way home. I am enjoying myself just so completely that I forget about who was waiting for me back home. It ends all too soon when we read Chris’ house.

“You could come in for a minute…. If you’d like…â€? Chris offers, suddenly looking really nervous.

I glance at the clock and figure I could spare some time. I answer brightly, “Sure!â€?

We get out of the car together. As we are walking to his front door, Chris warns, “My parents are a little… off… and my room’s a bit of a mess…â€?

I laugh lightly at the last bit. “No worries.â€? I assure him.

He drops my hand as he opens the door. Stepping inside he calls, “Mom, Dad, I’m home!â€?

“Okay, hunny!â€? A very feminine voice answers him.