This time Jamie insisted on getting a parrot. His overworked mother sighed and gave in. When Henry got a month off work and returned home, an excited Jamie showed him Kiki the parrot.
Darlene shrugged when he glanced at her questioningly.
“Don’t look at me, I’m too tired to launch into the same explanation every time he feels like trying out something new. And besides, you’re not home very often,” she said, immediately feeling guilty. That wasn’t very fair, as Henry was a chef on a ship, away for months at sea, working hard for the entire family.
The next time Henry returned, a tearful Jamie told him that Kiki had died.
Henry put Jamie on his lap and said, “Remember son, when you take on something, never do anything halfway, be responsible.”
Jamie nodded soberly, then apologized to his mother for answering back when she’d scolded him for not looking after Kiki properly.
Darlene glanced at Henry, who was smiling proudly at his son.
“You’re a better parent away than I am here,” she said, looking ashamed.
Henry pulled her close.
“We’re in this together,” he said, gently lifting her chin.
Both devoted parents smiled understandingly at each other.
Dollops of Heedful Ramblings 
I love the support the parents are too each other. Even when they are far away, I think that is honestly one of the truest tests of relationship, that distance has little effect. I feel bad the little boy lost his parrot. It’s great for kids to have pets but it is also a good lesson to him as you write, one the boy will never forget, about taking care your responsibilities. Hopefully, the next pet lives longer. Well written S 🙂
Very true. Being far away does put a lot of strain on a relationship and probably takes a lot of effort and compromise to keep going. … Yes, hope he’s more responsible with his next pet! 🙂 Thank you Mandi! 🙂
Awe! What a great short piece! 😊
Thank you so much! Really glad you liked it! ☺