Page 41 of Schooling Little Sage

“Thanks, Roman,” Daddy said.

“Thank you, Roman,” I hollered after him. Roman waved then went up front to help Dempsey and his Daddy.

“Look, Daddy, look, there’s one!” A shiny blue piece peeked out from the mud.

“Let me grab a jar to put them in until we get your treasure chest.”

We picked out the pieces we could with tweezers and put them in it, then Daddy scooped another shovelful to put on the screen for me to clean.

“This is so much fun!” There were some pretend plastic gems in there too plus some pretty rocks.

“Our jar is full, Sage. Think we should leave the rest for someone else?”

“Good idea, Daddy.” We cleaned up the area then took the jar up front. Dempsey and his Daddy were already gone but Roman was there waiting for us.

“How’d you do, Sage?”

“Look!” I held up the jar. “It’s full of lots of shiny things.”

“It is. That’s one of the biggest jars of booty I’ve ever seen.” Roman winked. “Why don’t you take a look around and pick out your treasure chest. I’ll ring you up when you’re ready.”

“Thanks, Roman. Come on, Daddy, I want to see all the pirate stuff.”

“Why do I feel like I’m walking the plank,” Daddy moaned, but he was smiling so I know he was just pretending.

“You’re so silly, Daddy.” There were tons of neat toys, it was hard to decide what to get. “I want the chest for sure.” I grabbed a medium sized one. “Can I get a pirate hat too, Daddy?”

“Absolutely. This is your special day for helping Daddy this week.”

I ran over and hugged him. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. Anything else before we leave?”

I wanted one of everything but then that wouldn’t leave anything for next time and I for sure wanted to come back. This place was super cool and Roman was funny.

“This is perfect. Oh, wait, can we get a small chest and a bag of stones for Devon too?”

“That’s a wonderful idea.”

I carried all the goodies up to the register where Roman waited. “Did you have fun, Sage?”

“Yes! I can’t wait to come back again. Thank you for showing me around.” Who knew the mountain we passed every day had all of this inside it.

“Anytime.”

“Oh, wait. Daddy, can I pay for Devon’s stuff?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yup, I want to buy my bestie his prezzies.”

“You’re a very thoughtful boy.”

I split the stuff up. “Roman, I’d like to pay for these, please.”

He smiled. “Absolutely. Go ahead and swipe your card.”

I was Daddy’s big boy today. “All done.”