Sunblock And Silence

EZEKIEL

“Vera, hold still,” Vivienne said gently, smoothing the lotion over Vera’s arms. Vera, who was in the middle of bouncing up and down, giggled. She was wearing this cute little swimsuit covered in bright flowers, her hair tied back into a ponytail that swayed with every movement.

“I’m holding still, Mom!” Vera insisted, though she clearly wasn’t.

Vivienne just smiled and finished applying the sunblock, then turned to Vince. He was more patient, standing still while she worked. Vince was wearing simple board shorts and these aviator sunglasses I’d bought him a while back.

“Don’t forget to put it on your face too,” Vivienne reminded him.

“I know, Mom,” Vince said, but there was no frustration in his voice. Just calmness. He always kept it cool like that, even as a kid.

I watched from a few feet away as Vivienne knelt beside the kids. She was focused, making sure Vera and Vince were well-protected before letting them run off to the shore again.

I stood a little further back, wat