4. Clara
Chapter four
Clara
“ G o for it, Care-Bear,” my dad says with enthusiasm.
I’ve just finished showing my parents the photos of the cabin in the woods. I came to Thursday dinner fully expecting a barrage of questions and precautionary sentiments from Mom and Dad. At the very least, I expected them to pump the brakes on such a big decision.
“I agree with your father,” my mom adds as she clears away our dinner plates. I jump up to help, but she waves me back to my seat.
“You don’t think it’s a bad idea, purchasing a property sight unseen?” I ask.
“There will still be an inspection, of course,” my dad replies. “You can always back out if there are major issues uncovered. But the photos look like exactly what you’re hoping to find, and it’s under your budget. Plus, can’t beat that town name!” he finishes with a wide grin. I come from a long line of Christmas lovers—generations of Yuletide fanatics on both sides of the family.
“Not to mention, I’ve never seen you so willing to take action on something that you truly want, Clara,” my mom adds. She pauses to briefly cup my cheek before sitting back down at the table. “It’s not a lifelong decision that can’t be undone. I say seize the moment!”
I take a monster cookie from the platter Mom set on the table. She cooks dinner on Thursdays, but I always bring dessert. I stayed late at work today and didn’t have time to bake something from scratch. It felt like cheating, but I picked up a cookie box from McLain’s Bakery, one of the many amazing bakeries in the Kansas City metro area. I chew a bite of peanut butter-oatmeal-M champagne emoji
“I’m going to submit the offer tomorrow,” I declare to my parents, who respond with enthusiastic cheers.
I’m doing it, Aunt Gloria. We’re doing it.