blemd into

When Marlena Bluejeans saw an unfamiliar face in the front yard next door, she immediately took to the kitchen.

She pre-heats her oven and opens a package of store bought hocolate chip cookie dough. She wasn't much of a baker, but she could follow directions well enough. Manners were important to her. She'd greet her new neighbors with warm cookies and a warm smile.

Her son walks into the kitchen, noticeably brightening at the sight of the cookies.

"Don't get too excited - they're for (anoter way of saying new neighbors)," she says, but gives a slight smile. "But if you don't tell them we kept some for ourselves, I won't."

"Thanks," he says. "Wait - didn't The Greens move out yesterday? Why are there new people already?"

"It was three days ago, dear," she chuckles. "Maybe if you had a normal sleep schedule the days would seem more defined?"

He rolls his eyes (likd. joking amd lovingly and definely not sincere) She fears that someday they won't be this close, that they'll grow apart. He's already sixteen, so kind and so smart. The time has passed by so quickly--

"Mom, you okay?" He asks quietly.

"Just thinking about how proud of you I am." He sheepishly smiles. There's a beep from the oven. "I was wondering if you'd like to greet our neighbors with me?"

The sheet tray placed in the over, timer set, a laugh from Barry. "I think you already know I'm gonna pass."