Jean-Luc Cheri [Cheri - The Ritual

Grandpa River, are you really 60?

I smiled down at my grandson Carter, who was four years old and looking up at me inquisitively.

Chuckling, I pointed up at the banner that was strung across the front of the park pavilion our family had rented for the occasion.

What does that say?

Carter squinted at the sign, then grinned at me. Grandpa, you know I cant read.

I laughed again. Oh, thats right. I forgot. Let me read it for you. It says, Happy 60th Birthday, Rain and River.

Sixty is old.

I laughed. So I hear.

He thought for a moment. I wish I had a cool name like you.

What name do you wish you had?

He considered this, then said, Thor!

Thor fits you perfectly. If you want me to call you Thor, I will.

He grinned wide. Im telling Mommy I changed my name! Then he ran off in her direction.

Always causing trouble, arent you? came a voice from my side as a hand rested on my shoulder.

I smiled and placed my hand on hers. I try. Have a seat.

She sat in the chair next to me, and I turned to see Rain, my sister. Though her hair was now silver, and lines creased her face, she was just as beautiful as she was when she was young. Her clear blue eyes stared back at me, filled with obvious love.

How are you feeling? she asked.

Amazing. How could I feel anything else on a day like this?

We both looked around at the picnic grove, which was filled with our children and their spouses and children.

Hard to believe, isnt it? she said. That were responsible for all of this.

I agree. Ive actually lost track. How many are there now?

Lets see, you have four kids and I have five. You have eleven grandchildren, and I have fourteen. How many is that?

I quickly did the math. Thirty-four. Does that include Melanie being pregnant?

I forgot about Melanie. So that makes thirty-five.

I grinned. Thats a whole lot of screwing.

She swatted my arm. Stop it, there are children around.

I know. Thats the result of a whole lot of screwing.

She smiled. Youre incorrigible.

I quirked an eyebrow. Speaking of screwing

Her gaze met mine. Dont even say it.

I was just going to ask if you remembered.

River, Im sixty, not senile. Of course I remember. She paused then added, Almost like it was yesterday.

Me too. Ive been thinking about it a lot lately.

You have? Why?

I shrugged. Im not sure.

Is everything okay between you and Megan? She hasnt mentioned anything to me.

Were fine. It has nothing to do with her. How about you and Will?

Hes just as much of a pain in the ass as always, but Im used to it. She smiled.

Good to hear. After a moment, I said, Theres just something about that summer. Its like it was the last time everything was perfect in the world.

I think everyone thinks about being eighteen like that.

I shook my head. No, it was more than that. It was where we were, what we did, and having you there with me. It all came together for a perfect summer.

She nodded thoughtfully. Yes, it was a perfect summer.

Do you ever have any regrets?

No, not at all. How about you?

No. Except for

Except for what?

Do you ever wonder what our lives would be like if we hadnt stopped?

She thought for a moment. Yeah, I do. Im not sure it wouldve worked. As much as its not accepted now, back then it was even worse.

We couldve gone somewhere where no one knew us.

Maybe. But wed always be running from our past.

I nodded. Youre probably right. But I like to think about it sometimes.

She smiled. So do I, brother. She reached out and rested her hand on my knee. I placed mine over it. Her touch caused the memories to cascade through my mind, all of them beautiful.

But the moment of happiness was popped by my youngest daughter Karens voice, who had managed to sneak up on us from the side.

Dad, did you tell Carter he could change his name to Thor?

I smiled at her. I think Thor is a wonderful name.

She rolled her eyes. So is Carter. Dont be putting those thoughts into his head. Now hes demanding everyone call him Thor.

Then everyone should call him Thor, I said. After all, its his name.

My daughter looked at my sister. You see what I have to put up with?

Rain smiled. You dont need to tell me. Ive been living with him practically my whole life.

Karen sighed. I also came over to tell you the foods about done.

Rain stood. Ill help you get things ready.

Karen rolled her eyes at me again before she turned and joined Rain as they walked away.

I stared at my sister, the memories flooding through me again. Memories of the one true perfect summer in my life.