Normalcy

It was cold even though the rain had ended and the sun now peeked out from behind the clouds.  In Wisconsin the coldest days were always the sunniest.

 His father came up from behind him.  “Farmer’s Almanac says it’s going to be a wet winter.”

Jonah nodded, lost in an abstraction.  

“Have something to tell you," Dale said.

Jonah looked over at his father.

“I’m moving to Florida.”                   

“You are?" Jonah exclaimed.  "When?”

“Tomorrow.  No point in staying here.  The realtor says I’ll make a mint on the house, and I have a condo down there.  Bought it with your mother right before she got sick.”  Dale cleared his throat.  “Be nice if you could visit.  The condo has a guestroom.  You’re welcome to use it." 

“Right," Jonah said slowly.  "Thanks."

His father nodded.  “Okay, then.  Tell Jackie I said goodbye.”

“You’re not going to tell him yourself?”

“He’s busy tonight.  Something about a poker game, and I didn’t get a chance to tell him before that.  The movers are coming Saturday.  You mind checking in, to make sure they’re doing things right?”

“…Okay."

“Maybe you can come in April.  April’s real nice there—not too humid.  We could go to Disneyworld, or Universal Studios.  Always wanted to take you boys there when you were young, but...”  Dale cleared his throat again.  “Okay, then.  Be good.”