“Yeah, uh, I’m, uh, Justin,” Justin shakes Kate’s hand. “Do parents shake hands when they meet? I really don’t know.” Charlie’s mother looks at him strangely. “I’m, uh, Joy’s dad. We’re, uh…Wow, I just realized I never met any parents at all as part of, uh, being a father, uh, Kate.” 

“She’s not Kate, don’t call her Kate,” Charlie says. “Her name’s Catori.” 

“It’s Kate,” Kate corrects her son. 

“They’re friends. They know me. It’s fine. Her name’s Catori. You all call her Catori!” 

She looks exhausted all of the sudden and sighs. “Look, I’m Catori. Since it’s hard for most people, I just say I’m Kate.” 

“Catori’s good,” Justin says. 

“Catori’s fine,” I say. “I’m Walt. Joy’s grampa.” 

“Nice to meet you!” 

“Catori, so nice to meet you!” Suzy gushes. “Suzy. Joy’s grandma.” 

“I heard all about you,” Catori touches Suzy’s hand as Suzy comes in for a hug. Suzy stops and nods. “I must say, I thought you were all part of Charlie’s imagination.” 

“See! I told you, Mom! They’re all real!” 

“I can see that! Wait, what about the dragon? Did she come?” 

Suddenly, there’s silence. After a few long seconds, Joy says. “She’s not here. I don’t know where she is.”

“Catori, can I help you with, uh, with, uh, the, uh, getting set up for the birthday?” 

“Don’t need help,” Catori snaps at him. 

The doorbell rings. 

“Kids are coming! Oh, no, I forgot to put up all the decorations!” Catori looks at the walls in distress. Suddenly, the walls are full of balloons tied up with string. There’s a HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE! poster on the wall. “Oh, I didn’t forget! Charlie, let them in! I’ll bring out the food!”

“I’ll help you!” Justin runs after her. Oh, Justin, she’s just a dream.

Charlie goes to the door and opens it. Children and their parents are waiting outside. Looks like Justin’s going to get what he asked for: kids Joy’s age for her to play with. 

It feels so ordinary. I hope she survives that.

(To be continued…)

—Told by Grampa Walt