One of Those Days

Another first: Erik locked me out of the house.

I stand on the front porch, completely embarassed because my girlfriend is leaving and has to be somewhere five minutes ago. She is on her cell phone and looks in my direction with a concerned look on her face. I smile sheepishly and peer through the side light window. I see Erik's face and talk slowly and loudly, begging him to open the door. He stares back, seemingly quite pleased with himself. He looks directly at me and smiles defiantly, enjoying the power he suddenly has. I finally decide to trick him by asking him if he wants to go outside, and I instantly hear the deadbolt slide, freeing the door. I jam my foot in the door like the world's rudest salesman and stomp inside the house, raising my voice and telling him that he is never to do that again. My fear for his safety has transformed to frustration and anger. He quickly bursts into tears, and his face goes red and scrunchy. I roll my eyes, hug him, and take him outside to play.

He rides the yellow tricycle with the little seat he could not balance himself on before for the very first time. And he rides it all the way around my Jeep in the driveway, even steering the dang thing.

I cheer loudly.