I was halfway down the street, pushing the double stroller with one hand and texting my sister with the other, when I noticed a police SUV slowing down beside us.
At first, my stomach dropped—you know that sudden wave of nervousness, even when you’ve done nothing wrong? But then I looked up and saw it was Officer Lennox. He’s local, friendly, always waves when he passes by.
My three youngest had already dashed toward the curb and sat right down, like they were waiting for story time. To my surprise, Officer Lennox parked, got out, and—without hesitation—sat on the curb beside them.
I couldn’t hear the whole conversation, but I saw his hands moving expressively. He was explaining something, maybe telling a story. The kids were completely captivated—even Finn, who usually can’t sit still for more than a minute.
When I got close enough, he looked up and smiled. “Hope you don’t mind,” he said. “They asked what the siren means when it’s on. Thought I’d give them the full explanation.”
I laughed. “Go for it. Free childcare is a rare gift.”
He chuckled too. Then he added, more quietly, “Better they hear it from me now, in a calm moment… than only in a situation that might feel overwhelming later.”
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