Some Small Consolation

MUNI this morning: a father, with his son in his lap. Little boy with baby skin, couldn't have been older than three. His little froggy voice pipes up, "daddy, I want some water. I'm thiiiiiiiirssssty."

Daddy: "We'll get you some water when we get off the train."

Boy: Puts on whiney voice: "but I WANT water. now."

Dad looks at kid. Kid's face is on the verge of total tantrum, you can see it in his features, his nose is screwing up, his face is scrunching. He is deciding. Face frozen in scruch for a second. You call tell Dad is holding his breath. And then the little boy lets his features relax. Giggles.

He makes his hands into a cup and dips into the air, gently, so as not to spill, he brings it to his lips, and sips, loudly. "Mmmmm. Water. Daddy, I found water."

His Dad smiles as the child cups his hands again, bringing the imaginary water to his father's mouth, so he, too, can drink.