The Broken Toe

The water steamed as it filled the tub. It was only half full so I went in search of my parents. They are sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee and telling my sister stories from when they were dating. I listen disinterestedly
Dad then recalls the time that my Aunt doused him with water. He’s telling us how she had a glass of water and decided that she wanted to play games so she threatened to throw it at him. He told her that if she did he would put her head under the faucet. She didn’t believe him and threw the water. So he said he picked her up and stuck her head in the kitchen sink. I think this is funny, but it’s time to check the tub again.
The tub is full and the water is piping hot. I close the door and am about to undress, when it occurs to me to see if my father would really put someone under the kitchen sink just for throwing water at him. I fill the cup on the side of the bathroom sink with water, and sneak back to the kitchen. My father turns just in time to see me, probably because he heard me giggling. I am holding the glass poised to douse him. He looks at me and says, “If you do it your going into the tub clothes and all.” I don’t believe him and the water flies. He darts out of his chair and chases me around the house. We are all laughing. As I pass through the dining room with him in close pursuit. I here him scream out, “Ow, you stupid S.O.B.!” I stop and turn back to see what happened. He grabs me and dumps me into the tub clothes and all.
A few days later he goes to the doctor and finds out he broke his toe on the doorway of the dining room while chasing me.

copyright, September 15, 1999