We Go Home

When Mother returned the next day, Mr. Basil seemed ecstatic.

"What did you do while you were staying with Uncle David?" Mother asked us.

"Well, we learned a lot about medicine and law," I responded.

Mother smiled her approval. "I must admit you surprised me, Hippo. I expected to see the flat destroyed and the children barefoot in the street, but now I can see my worry was senseless. In fact, I think I may have to start asking you to watch the children more often."

From the look Mr. Basil got on his face, I don't think he liked that idea.

"I'll be glad to watch them any time, Lenora," Uncle David answered.

"You're the best, little brother." Mother tousled his hair.

He frowned, but he decided not to say anything about her condescension. "How was your seminar?"

Mother groaned and rubbed her head. "Just the word 'seminar' is enough to give me a migraine! I'm getting too old for this! I need a month's vacation, preferably somewhere tropical. You could watch the children for an entire month, couldn't you, Hippo?"

Uncle David got a look of horror on his face, causing Mother to succumb to a fit of laughter.

When she finally calmed down, she hugged him. "Thank you, David. I really do appreciate you watching the children. I placed them in your care because I knew you really would be responsible and patient with them."

Yes, believe it or not, Mother actually was nice to Uncle David for a few seconds. If that's not a happy ending, I don't know what is.