EXTENDED EPILOGUE
Mila
Ten years later
“The easy way to remember is i before e except after c,” I say.
“Thanks, mom. That is an easy way to remember but there are exceptions of course.”
“Okay, but that’s a good start,” our daughter Francesca says.
“And a start is what I need to get on dinner. Just give me a yell if you need anymore help with your homework.”
“Okay.”
I place my hand on my daughter’s shoulder and watch for a second or two longer as she intensely works on applying the knowledge she just learned to her spelling homework.
I turn and head towards the kitchen, but at the last minute I stop and quietly open the door to the basement.
“Make sure to follow through,” Owen says. “Let’s do it again.”
Our son Frank throws a punch into the boxing mitt Owen is holding. The mitt makes a loud pop. Wow. Frank is getting stronger, especially for his age. He must take after his father.
And just like his father he’s a protector.
Owen practices martial arts and self defense almost every night in our basement with him. I’m not sure which one of them enjoys it more. It’s all Frank talks about outside of sports and his admiration for his dad. And Owen loves to talk about how far Frank’s coming along each night when we have time for just the two of us.
“Just remember, son. Violence is always used as a last resort. It’s always better to talk your way through to a resolution first.”
“Yes, dad.”
“But if that just isn’t possible then it’s good to know you’re prepared. Okay. Another one.”
Owen raises his mitts and Frank delivers a punch and a kick.
I’m glad Owen always takes the time to remind him the purpose of martial arts. It’s not about being the aggressor, it’s about being prepared. And the most important part is the real reason he got started in the first place.
Family.
Frank and Francesca are twins. Owen thought it was essential that Frank know how to not only protect himself, but his sister too.
They share many of the same classes and do quite a few things together so it’s nice to know that Frank’s always there looking out for her.
Owen spends time with Francesca too, building her self-confidence, stamina, and punching power, but it’s nothing compared to what Frank can do.
I watch as the boys continue to train. I see so much of Owen in Frank. They’re both big, strong, and strapping.
Frank’s still just a kid and he’s got a long way to go, but still…I can see he’s going to be a chip off the old block in no time flat. That is if he isn’t already. He looks more and more like his father every day. It’s uncanny.
And there’s no one I’d rather be reminded of more when I look at Frank then Owen.
He’s still that protector I’ve known for about a decade and a half now. Wow…time sure does fly.
And it flies even faster when you’re having so much fun. That’s how life with my family is each and every day. A blessing and an absolute blast.
“Mom! You aren’t supposed to watch,” Frank says.
“Sorry!” Whoops, I got caught. “Just wanted to let you know dinner will be in thirty minutes.”
“Thanks, honey,” Owen says.
Frank waits as if he’s not going to continue until I go. “Come on, mom. We’re training down here.”
“Right. Okay, I’m just back off to the kitchen,” I say. “Don’t mind me.”
I shut the door and can’t help but smile. Frank’s a great kid, but he’s still a little shy. I’d much rather him be shy than overly aggressive. He’ll grow out of his shyness at some point, but for now it’s really cute.
I pull out some things from the refrigerator. I know what I’ll do. I’ll make Frank’s favorite tonight. Spaghetti and meatballs. It’s fast, easy, and full of both carbs and protein for my two guys. They need their strength and stamina.
And I’ll need my stamina too…tonight. Even after two kids Owen still can’t keep his hands off me. I just wonder what crazy position he’ll put me in tonight.
Whatever it is it won’t compare to the four best positions he already put me in.
Wife. Mother. Best friend. Lover.