After Norma Marie went off to sort canned goods, Russ and I sealed cartons. I wasn’t sure how to find out about his father’s nighttime activities, but I took a shot. “Is your father around?” I asked nonchalantly.
“No, he’s collecting stuff from folks who can’t drive.”
“Oh.” That was enough prelude for me, being diplomatically deficient as I am. In my next breath, I blurted out what really was on my mind. “Do you ever wonder if your dad fools around?”
Unfortunately, Russ’s detours are as bad as mine. “No, why? Did you hear something about Jimmy Dale’s dad? He’s always running around with his hose hanging out. Who’s that dog after now?”
“I dunno, Russ. I was asking if you wonder about your dad diddling around, not JD’s. Isn’t it natural for kids to wonder where their dads go sometimes?”
