...

...I was lounging on the couch in a pancake-induced stupor, watching through the archway as Grant and Phil washed the dishes and stacked them in the drainer on the counter. Kathleen was still at the kitchen table, alternately reading the newspaper and criticizing -- I'm sorry, critiquing, the dishwashing. Tod also sat at the table, head on his arms. Every now and then a groan would escape. I had just managed to stop thinking about Peter when the doorbell rang. I rolled off the couch and walked the few feet to the front door, opening it as Kathleen poked her head out of the kitchen. I stared out the door.
"John!" I said, queen of the obvious.
"Gia!" he said, his eyes crinkling as he grinned.
"What..I mean, come in," I held the door open wider.
"Thanks," he said, walking through. He set a good-sized backpacking pack on the floor next the door, leaning against the wall. "Hi Kathleen."
"Hello yourself," she said, "I think we have a few chocolate chip pancakes left if you'd like some."
"Who says no to pancakes," he said with another grin. "I tried the guys house first but no one was..." he stopped and laughed as we fully entered the kitchen. "hey guys."
"Hey."
Kathleen set the last plate of pancakes on the table in front of an empty chair.
"Milk?" I asked, opening the fridge.
"That'd be awesome. This is quite the welcome."
"It's Saturday," Grant said.
John took a bite and cocked his head toward Tod's still figure which hadn't even moved after John came in.
Phil quickly filled him in and I was pretty shocked to see yet another grin flash across John's face. Did this guy do anything but smile?
"Funny how God works things out sometimes," he said and before we could process that surprising comment -- even Tod lifted his head at the mention of God that didn't involve swearing -- John had gotten out of his chair and walked into the other room. In a few minutes he was back deftly twirling two drumsticks in his fingers. "I don't have a set with me, but I am planning to stick around town for a while."
We all started with gaping mouths.
"Finish your pancakes," Tod said. "Then come over. I've got a set at the house and you can try out a set."


author's note: thanks to those who are reading and pushing me on; I need the shove now and again. Sorry I've been MIA on the story-telling; but don't give up!