On-Base Housing

“Bye bye,” smiled the preschooler with immaculate cornrows and colorful beads dangling from them.
“Bye, Eden! Love you,” said the in shape man with a shaved head and medium brown complexion. “Love you too, Langston!”

The toddler simply waved at his dad.

“Drive safe,” the average height man said to his wife after pecking her on the cheek through the rolled down window. “Let me know when y’all make it.”
“Sure will. Please don’t forget to pick up the dry cleaning tomorrow. I really need that suit for work on Monday.”
“Of course.”
“See you Sunday.”
“Y’all behave,” he pointed at the tykes.

He watched the red 2019 Toyota Highlander back out of the driveway of their on-base, three-bedroom ranch style home. He walked back inside once the vehicle disappeared from view. The Army cargo specialist headed inside and grabbed his phone from the kitchen counter. It was nearly six o’clock. He sent a message to his favorite little fuck buddy.

-They just left. You ready to head my way?
-Yes daddy! I’m finishing up a couple of things and I’ll be on the way.
-Bet. Let me know.
-Yes sir!

He pulled the frozen mouse from the plastic bag in which it had been warming in water. He walked it over to the terrarium to feed his pet corn snake. He watched the reptile lunge for the rodent. He then wiggled it to simulate a struggle thus ensuring psychological well-being for the cold-blooded animal. Once he completed that task, he went to the ensuite bathroom and took a quick shower.

He checked his phone and saw that he received a message a few minutes ago letting him know that his friend was en route. He lotioned his body and threw on a pair of basketball shorts and a V-neck T-shirt. He fired off a reply.

-See you soon.
-Do you want me to pick up anything?
-Nah. I’m about to go get you some wine. Pink zin right?
-Yes please daddy. I’m 30 min away.

He got into his orange 2016 Dodge Charger and pulled out of the driveway. He drove to a package store where he purchased a bottle of whiskey blended with honey liqueur, a case of beer and a box of the sweet tasting wine. He made it back home with plenty of time to spare.