Hot dogs in hamburger meat sizzled in the afternoon air as the Andrews barbecue.

Quarantine had let up just enough that everyone felt safe having a summer block party.

Children giggled as they chased each other through the sprinkler systems, mothers looked

on from over their sunglasses as they talked about the latest updates in education and

other changes in the new world.

I stood next to Harry Andrews.

Many eyes at my wife Hannah in between Sips of Cold Beer.

Harry was prattling on about something or other, but I...

All I was focused on was getting home.

Couldn't wait to put the kids to bed.

Crack open another cold beer.

And cut it up at my wife.

Now, if things went well, chances were I may even get lucky.

Our daughter Olivia was playing in the grass with the other neighborhood girls, holding

her doll, protectively.

I saw her flinch and pull away as the Tomkins girl asked to hold it.

Hey, come on now sweetheart.

You know you're supposed to share.

I chatted softly.

She clutched the doll closer in response.

All knocked over to her.

But if you don't want anyone playing with her, at least let me hold on to her until we

...