Parting Gift



About a month ago I bought a 1999 Redline Petty Cash bike in Portland from craigslist. I kept it at work for a few weeks before a co-worker kindly brought it and myself home from the office one day, and then I kept it hidden in our garage for a few more weeks. The point was to surprise Aaron on his last day of school (today)--to give him something that he could enjoy throughout his first summer vacation. He's outgrown his 16" bike, so it was time for an upgrade anyway.

After he left for school, I spent my lunch hour putting on some touch-up paint and positioned the bike so he would easily spot it upon arriving home from school. I was surprised at his reaction; maybe because it wasn't new and blue made it somewhat disappointing. But I think he doesn't care any more and is hopeful to grow a few more inches soon, because the bike is a little too big for him now, and that makes it difficult for him to start and stop.

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