“A whole weekend,” cried out Din Din in alarm. “You all are leaving for an entire weekend!”

“Yes, dear,” replied his mother calmly. “Grandfather has been having a lot of trouble walking and Dr. Trish has suggested that the hot waters of the springs in the southern plains might help his joints.”

“So you, Father, Grandfather as well as Grandmamma are all going away?” questioned Derek.

“Yes, we think Din Din is old enough and sensible enough to handle the three of you,” replied Mr. D.

The entire family was seated at the breakfast table on Friday morning, but Din Din seemed to have lost his appetite upon hearing these words.

“We will leave this evening,” revealed Mrs. Dee. “I have cooked for the weekend so everything should be fine.” Din Din could tell that she was worried but was trying her best not to reveal her anxiety.

“Stay in the house for these two days; you can play in the front garden or the backyard,” instructed their father.

“But Ma, I have a plan to meet Dazel and Delma every evening. And what about visiting my garden? You know I spend every Saturday tending my garden,” objected Din Din.

“You can take your brothers with you wherever you go,” suggested Mr. D.

“Oh great,” complained Din Din sarcastically. His mother shot him a warning look. He sighed. He knew this must be important because his parents would never leave all of them alone. He had heard his grandfather moaning in pain at night due to the pain in his limbs. Even his grandmother had begun to show signs of discomfort. That........

© Dawn Young Magazine