We were sitting at the kitchen table my grandson and I

Discussing Measurement

And the vagaries of Metric versus Imperial

Basically Science versus the Royal Slipper

Chuckling about that ghastly paralysis when the mind blanks

And the decimal point quivers with indecision –

Right –left – left – right – multiply or divide!  OH HELP!

 

Suddenly he said: ‘I’m starving,’

‘You had your tea barely an hour ago.’

‘Doesn’t matter. I’m starving.’

‘Did you eat a proper tea?’

Yes. Honest! But I’m still hungry.’

‘O.K., no problem. Something nutritious but quick

Because Mum will be here soon.’

‘I love omelette – with spinach and cheese.’

No further pow-wow necessary we high-fived

And moved smartly to fetch out the stuff.

Luckily I had spinach.

 

He climbed on a stool to reach the counter comfortably

Took the first egg and smacked it on the rim of the bowl

Losing half the shell into the mix.

‘Let me show you a better way to crack an egg.’

I pulled some kitchen towel over the counter

Palmed the second egg and tapped it neatly on the paper.

The whole egg exploded in my hand

Shards of shell sticking to my skin like Chinese needles.

The glutinous mass puddled out instantly

And the yolk made like a bandit for the floor.

 

I must have looked aghast

Trying to catch up the soggy towel

Before the yolk reached the edge or the paper split.

Finally I did tip the gooey mess into the bowl

Puffed with success, snuffling with laughter.

The child was mesmerised.

And I had to breathe.

 

Absolute silence for about three seconds

Then he turned – deadpan –

‘I don’t think that was a very good way

Of showing a kid how to crack an egg.’

And he grinned hugely – timing my hoot of appreciation.

Then we pulled ourselves together to cook the omelette.

 I crumbled my Very Best Mature cheese over the top

Letting it melt in greasy puddles just the way he likes it.

He yomped it all up just before Mummy beeped.

 

At the door I gave him a big hug and dropped a kiss on his head

Which he didn’t actually dodge.

I waved. He waved. Mummy waved.

They pulled away smiling at each other

And back at me.

It was a moment to celebrate.

Damned if I know why

 But it was.

 [SH1]