By Michael Talledes
The kids swarm my gender-reveal balloon. Punching it…yanking on the string—Ah! Where the hell are their parents?
“What are you hoping to have?” my father asks.
“Not one of those…” I point to the pack.
POP! The youngest child ruptures the balloon, sending a drizzle of pink confetti over his ice cream-splattered face.
The burst creates a tremor of silence, followed by a few forced “Hoorays!”
Tears wet the corners of my eyes. “It’s a girl…”
Putting his arm around my shoulders, my father whispers, “Surprise! Welcome to parenting… You’ll love and hate them at the same time.”
That sounds accurate if a tad cynical !
Oh, this is the truth.
Nice. I like the dialog and ending. Warmth.