security

Today is the big day! Lauren's first school play date. She was clearly thinking about it, as she has all week, while eating her raisin bran this morning. "Mom," she said, "I really miss you when I'm at school. Maybe when you come to take Ella home I could give you a hug before I go with Olivia and her mom?"

When I met Lauren at the school doors I gave her a big hug, as requested. A few minutes later, Olivia's mom appeared to take the girls home to play. Lauren detached her backpack from her lunchbox and held it to her chest. "Lauren don't you want me to take your backpack, too?"

"No."

"Really? Why?"

She whispered back, "You know why." But I really didn't.

"Why?"

She motioned for me to bend over and whispered in my ear, "Blankie."

"Oh," I said, standing up again. "Let me help you put your backpack on." She smiled. And off she went.