“He Makes Her Laugh"

Their child’s cries filled the outer office.

Maddie was on her feet in a second, slamming through her office door, assessing the situation. David was holding a bag of ice to their sobbing four-year-old’s knee.

“What the hell happened?”

David looked startled. “She’s fine, she bumped her leg--”

Maddie took the ice from him. “Sweetie, what hurts?”

“I told you she’s fine.”

“David, a child needs to be watched by a mature and responsible—“

“She just has a little bump!”

Their child was inconsolable.

David sang suddenly, “‘Jem! Truly outrageous!’ ” Maddie stared as he spun, whirled, sang tunelessly in imitation of their child’s favorite cartoon chick rock star.

Chagrined, Maddie surveyed her staff, their expressions ranging from annoyance to covert mocking; kiddie punk was not cool like limbo.

David played air-guitar with effeminate flair.

Their child laughed.

“David!” Her husband froze. “You’re a terrific dad.”

end

Thanks to Pam and Liz for their wonderful beta help.