23. Christopher #3
After that, we wrap up scavenging for the night, swing by the Tucson dome to trade for donor blood, then return to the ark. I have my eye out for renegades but see no sign of them.
After we decon ourselves, the donor bags, and a few items I decided not to trade, Maria jets down the hall to find Zinnia, and I’m hot on her heels.
Zinnia sits on the couch, introducing Carrot—at least I think it’s Carrot; I have trouble telling the lops apart—to a stuffed bunny I’ve never seen before.
Now Zinnia’s possessiveness makes sense. Sage is falling apart, repaired so many times I doubt the toy has any original fabric left.
Maria lifts her daughter onto her lap. “How was your first day in class?”
Zinnia shrugs and hugs the new stuffed bunny. “Do I have to go back?”
Maria kisses Zinnia’s cheek. “Didn’t you like school?”
Ignored, Carrot sniffs at the edge of the couch, looking for a way down, so I scoop her up and return her to the makeshift rabbit pen.
Zinnia shrugs again.
“I understand you have a new book to read,” Maria says.
The pout on Zinnia’s face is precious. But I know better than to say anything at this sensitive juncture.
“Come on, baby girl. Where’d you put the book?”
Zinnia snakes one hand behind the couch cushion and pulls out the picture book on sharing, giving a huff Tig would be proud of.
I listen to Maria read, and Ms. Kalina’s instructions about modeling sharing behavior spin through my mind. “I’ll be right back.”
I leave them on the couch reading the book, and whoosh for the warehouse. I already brought Zinnia toys and picture books from the second floor, but now I have two specific toys in mind. Finding them is a fast process thanks to the inventory tablet.
I may regret providing her with one of them, but sharing is caring.
While I’m in the warehouse, I find a place to hide the ring I found tonight.
In the morning, before Maria wakes, I’ll slip the ring on her finger and see how loose it is, because eyeballing it makes me think it’s a touch large.
Then I can ask Ari to get it fitted properly by a jeweler we both know who lives in the Sierra Escondida mixed dome.
The stone is so perfect. Is it too soon to get engaged? I don’t know why, but my intuition tells me I want a binding promise between us.
When I return to the living area, Maria finishes reading the last page and begins a discussion with Zinnia about what they read.
I set the toy guitar aside and put my hand through the ass end of a bunny puppet. The fit’s tight, but I stuff a finger into each paw.
Now, what do I do?
“Mommy, Mommy.” Zinnia tugs Maria’s sleeve, interrupting her gentle lesson on sharing. “Look at Daddy Christopher.” I wave a paw at her, and she waves back. “What—”
“I’m Mr. Rabbit, and I’m a puppet.” I bounce the toy up and down, side to side, as I speak for him. “I can steal your nose.” Gently, I mimic my words.
Zinnia’s hands fly to her face. “Give me my nose back.”
So she knows this game. The puppet pantomimes sticking her nose back on. “Or I can tickle you.”
Zinnia giggles as Mr. Rabbit’s soft paws run over her ribcage. She grabs him. “I want Mr. Rabbit.”
I pull away and glance at Maria.
She nods. We’re on the same page.
Maria taps a finger on the book. “Remember the way they asked in the story?”
Zinnia shakes her head.
“When we want a toy someone else is playing with, we say, ‘Can I have a turn when you’re done?’”
Zinnia glances at her mother, then at me. “Can I have a turn when you’re done?” She says the words in a singsong, as if she’s exasperated with all this adult nonsense.
Part of the lesson is patience, so I don’t surrender the toy right away. I turn the puppet to face me. “Mr. Rabbit, would you like to play with Zinnia?”
One paw taps the puppet’s cheek, like he’s considering the idea. Then he whispers in my ear.
“Oh, what an interesting idea. Mr. Rabbit thinks your new bunny might like to play with me.”
Zinnia looks at the new stuffed bunny, then back at Mr. Rabbit. “Will I get him back when he’s done playing with Daddy Christopher?”
“For tonight, absolutely.”
“Why only tonight?”
“The new bunny belongs to the school.”
Tears form in Zinnia’s eyes.
Maria sighs. “We’re still working on understanding shareable and non-shareable toys.”
“Tell you what, munchkin. Mr. Rabbit is ready to play with you. Can you give me new bunny to play with?” I ask.
“But I get him back when you’re finished.” So Zinnia understands that idea, although she eyes me suspiciously.
“Yes, you get him back.”
She kisses new bunny and hands him to me, eagerly grasping for the puppet.
Maria shows her how to don him and move his head and arms, while I make a show of playing with new bunny.
I glance at the toy guitar I left on the kitchen counter and decide that can wait for another time.
Besides, it probably needs batteries, and I should make sure it still works before giving it to her.
“Have you had dinner?” I ask.
The puppet is currently hugging Maria’s arm.
“Nuh huh,” Zinnia replies.
“I’ll make some while you two play.”
Maria mouths, Thank you, to me. I feel like a hero. “Hey, new bunny, you want to help me cook?”