Three Exits

​All six of us were at the pool tonight. Errol went home first. I was planning on taking the crew soon after, but Thom and Vinnie were being so slow getting out. I just decided to leave them. It wasn't a disciplinary measure, and I wasn't upset. I wanted to get the twins supper, and the bigs were slowing that down. I told them not to be too long--it's a school night.

As I unlocked Vinnie's bike from mine, I reflected that I needed to get out of this habit. In the US, Vinnie especially is thought to be too young to be out unsupervised. Many would think Thom too.

Independence of elementary-aged children is one of my favorite parts of German culture. I will miss it a lot, and I know Thom and Vinnie will too.