The Towel

Kasie’s request on our getaway was as mind-blowing as it was heart-warming and comforting

Photo by ksu&eli, Pexels

A Tender Age Gap Story

Kasie traveled with me, my daughter Anna, and my now ex-wife Becki when we left New York each year between Christmas and New Year’s for a week of sun in the Caribbean. My annual bonus paid for the tickets, lodging, and meals.

She was the best friend to Anna, and her light-hearted nature made her pleasant to have around despite the challenges she faced with her parents, like her Dad’s DUI arrest on the day of her high school graduation.

This year was different. Life had changed dramatically. Anna was working in a paid internship, and Becki had decided during the summer that it was time to seek other partners after a couple of decades of marriage. Gone.

Staying put and getting used to sleeping alone in a queen-sized bed seemed like the only option.

“You should go, Dad, and work on your novel,” said Anna before Thanksgiving. “Clear your mind a bit. Kasie asked if we were going. I told her I’m not able to, but she says she’d be willing to pay her way.”

“Just me and Kasie?”

“Why not?”

I mulled it over and decided it was important to keep the semblance of a tradition. Kasie had a similar interest in literature and journalism, and always asked me questions on how I got my assignments.

Take the trip.

I made a quick call to the resort, reserved two rooms, and decided I’d spring for the plane tickets. If she wanted to pitch in… ah, heck. Just having someone pleasant and who was easy to talk to would be nice.