"Hey, slow down there, sport," I told him, grabbing at his shoulder. Naturally I missed. Again. Darren tore through the living room and headed out to the back yard. My cat, Tigger, tore out the open front door in flash of black fur with her tail level with the ground. Never did like company, not until she was used to them, anyway.

At the door my sister looked up from watching Tigger disappear to give that look of exasperation she'd developed over the last several years of parenthood. "Sorry about that," she said, "but he's been really hyper the last couple days. All he talks about is spending a week with you, Ryan. I just hope you can put up with him."

"No sweat," I answered bravely. "He's still a good kid. Having him around always gives me the feeling of being alive. He has so much energy I can't help but let some of it rub off on me."

"Yeah, well you know what you're in for. Besides, it's only a week. You can always tie him to the cherry tree," she offered with a smile.

"You're never going to let me live that one down are you? I was five then. I just had the wanderlust in my bones," I said in defense.

"And it got you tethered to the tree. Poor Ryan. You didn't run away so much after that, though."

"I wasn't running away." This battle was one we'd had so many times over the years it was an old and familiar taunt between us. "I just wanted to explore. A lot."

"If Darren gives you any trouble you know I'll back you up on anything you think you need to do," she said. "Seriously, if he doesn't behave, do what you think you have to. I'd rather have an unhappy kid than a visit to the hospital."

"I don't see that happening," I said and got a smiling frown. That was one of Emily's traits I never understood; how she could make a frown and a smile at the same time is totally beyond me. The kitchen screen door slammed closed to announce Darren's return.

"You do what you think is right, Ryan," she said, frowning towards the kitchen.

My brother-in-law came in with a suitcase in hand and his infectious grin. No matter what happened he could always defuse any situation with that grin of his. "Ryan! Glad to see you again. And thanks for helping out. We owe you for this," he said as he pumped my hand.

"No problemo. Always happy to help. Besides, I get a kid again for a few days and that's a good thing." That froze his smile and I instantly regretted saying it.

"Sorry," I said. "That's history. I shouldn't bring up my old problems." ......(cont)