Swap

            Jonathan imperceptibly trembled. He wanted to tell her no, she couldn’t do such a thing. It was dangerous. He’d be without her. Arianna and Branni would be without her. Yet he couldn’t betray her, her dream, the dream he’d encouraged and supported. He put on his most genuine smile and refused to be selfish, at least outwardly.

            “That is wonderful, Riaan, I’m so proud of you!”

            “You’re still a terrible liar,” she told him. “What’s wrong?”

            “Nothing’s wrong! Well, we’re going to miss you, but you’ve worked so hard, you deserve this; I want you to do what your heart says to do. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

            “Why would you miss me? We’re all going. I’m just the only one that has to be actually working.”

            “We can’t go with you,” Jonathan replied with his smiling frown. “Branni is happy at his school, Ariannaa is happy with Naomi, and I can’t go either.”

            “Why not?” Riaan was puzzled. More and more families were coming on board, bringing their children and spouses.

            “Well, that’s my good news. I’ve been grounded, but this time as Chief of Staff, USEPA. I’m going to be here, on Earth, for at least four more years.”

            “That’s terrific, Jon! You can stay here with the kids and I can take the commission, they won’t have to move, you won’t have to fly, it’s great!”

            In the blink of an eye Jonathan found himself a grounded, stay-at-home, single dad. This was why he’d never married, or planned on a family, but because he always expected that he would be the one leaving people behind.

            “Hello,” came a girl’s voice from the front door. They both turned to see who’d just come in their home. Naomi trotted in, her key in hand. A moment later she came through the great room. “Oh, Ms. Riaan, hello, I didn’t know you were home! I forgot my sweater,” she told them both. “There it is,” she said, and found it on the seat of a dining room chair. “I’d be a Popsicle by the time I got home without it. And Ms Riaan, congratulations! Sorry, bye!” She waved and dashed out. Riaan and Jon looked at each other and softly laughed.

            “I think we should celebrate tonight. And I thought you might want to find a good place for this,” Jonathan said, putting Ariannaa on the ground and taking Riaan by the hand to the desk where he’d barely put her prize down.  “I will put this up for you wherever you want it, but I guess you might want it where you work, not at home.”

            Riaan caught her breath when she saw her framed diploma. She looked at Jon with appreciation, and surprise.

            “It’s beautiful. Thank you for this,” she said, picking it up and looking closely at the official statement of accomplishment. “Oh, my, this is amazing.”

            “I’m glad you like it. You worked hard for it; you earned it.”

            “With your help,” she reminded him.

            “Maybe a little.”