Never Grow Up

tight-fitting runner outfits, with sleek shoes and matching water bottles. Erin giggled. “See. Those kind of people are going to win this thing.”
Kari watched her mom and dad talk to a man who was probably Alex’s father. The man looked happy and sad at the same time. After a while, Kari’s parents joined the family again. Bo looked ready for the race, because he wasn’t barking now.
“It’s almost time.” Dad clapped his hands.
“I’m going to win.” Luke started doing jumping jacks again. “I’m practically a professional.” He was already out of breath. “Right, Dad?”
“One day you might be.” Dad ran his hand over Luke’s hair. “Second grade is very young to be a professional runner.” He grinned at each of them. “Today let’s just do our best.”
Alex’s dad stepped onto a platform and took hold of the microphone. “First, thank you for showing up today.” His eyes looked damp. “I… can’t believe you would all come out to run and walk for my boy.”
Kari and her siblings stood a little closer to Mom and Dad and Bo. Being sick must be very hard, Kari thought. She looked up as her mom leaned her head on Dad’s shoulder. Mom whispered, “It makes me thankful for our health.”
Kari realized how important it was to be here for Alex. There were lots of ways to show someone you cared. Bringing dinner or making a card for someone who was sick. Today this was the best thing they could do for Alex and his family.
“Some of you have asked about Alex.” From his spot on the platform, his father looked at the crowd. “Alex is in the hospital today. He… needs a miracle.” The man seemed to wipe a tear from his face. “And today you are a part of that miracle.”
Next to Kari, Erin hugged Mom’s waist. “We need to keep praying for Alex.”
Mom’s eyes looked watery. “Yes.” She kissed the top of Erin’s head. “We can do that.”
A different man took over for Alex’s dad and told everyone that their registration fees from the race had raised fifteen thousand dollars for Alex’s family. Then he talked about the rules. “Stay on the path, don’t turn around and please pick up after your furry runner friends!”
Bo gave a single bark and everyone laughed. “Good boy.” Dad patted Bo’s head. “You’re going to love this!”
Kari and her family moved closer to the starting line. Dad had his arms around Mom and Kari. “Mr. Hutchins asked if we could swing by the hospital after the race. To see Alex and cheer him up.” Dad nodded. “I said we would.”
Ashley skipped up alongside Kari. “I can tell him a joke!” She did a twirl. “I’m an absolute riot, you know.”
Luke raised his hand. “I’ll show him my basketball cards!”
Mom smiled. “Perfect.”
Kari thought for a minute. What could she do to cheer up Alex? Maybe bring in her music and do the Dancing Queen routine for him? Or talk about her swim team? No, that wouldn’t work. Alex was only a year older than Luke. He wouldn’t care about swim team yet.
Then an idea hit. Kari could tell him about the meteor shower! Yes, Alex would love that!
“Attention, runners and walkers.” A voice came over the speaker. “The race will begin in five minutes!”
“Kari.” Ashley looked very serious. She leaned in close and whispered. “I don’t want to scare the younger children. But… I don’t think we have enough food.”
“What?” Kari blinked. “We’re supposed to be running. There won’t be time to eat.”
“For five days?” Ashley shook her head. “I thought Mom and Dad would be more prepared. We don’t have tents or sleeping bags. Plus it’s practically freezing out here.” She rubbed her arms. “I know it’s for Alex. But a five-day? I didn’t train for this.”
“Ashley.” Kari stared at her sister. “You think it’s a five-day race?”
“Yes! Dad said so.” Ashley put her hands on her hips. “What do you think a five-day means? We run for five days. Straight. No breaks.” She slumped over. “I’m already exhausted.”
Kari tried not to laugh. “It’s not a five-day race, Ash.” She put her hands on her sister’s shoulders. “It’s a 5K!”
“Five Ks? What does that even mean?” Ashley stood straight again. “Walking in a K pattern five times? How long does that take?”
Brooke must have been listening because she chimed in. “The K stands for kilometers. It’s a way to measure distance.” She blew at a wisp of her hair. “Things you learn in middle school! Weren’t you listening? I just said this a bit ago.” Brooke laughed.
“I must have missed it.” Ashley looked relieved.
Dad and Bo walked up. The whole family gathered around. “What’s happening?”
Kari grinned. “Ashley thought the race lasted five days straight.” She put her arm around her sister. “She thought it was a five-day.”
“Oh, honey.” Dad still had hold of Bo’s leash. “I’m sorry. You should have asked us about that. If we run some and walk some, it’ll take less than an hour.”
Ashley bent over her knees and did a loud sigh. “Whew!” She wiped the back of her hand across her forehead. “Thank you for clearing that up. I can breathe a little better now.”
“Three miles is still a lot.” Erin looked to the starting line. “But we can do it!”
“Okay.” Dad waved everyone close. “Baxter family huddle!” He looked at each of their faces. “Remember, it’s not about winning.” He winked at Luke. “This is for Alex. So pray for him… think about him as you run or walk. Let’s try to stay together.”
“Because together is more fun!” Kari smiled at her family.
“Exactly.” Mom grinned.
“Hands in!” Dad put his hand out and everyone stacked their hands on top of his. “One… Two… Three.”
“Team!” The whole family shouted the word at the same time.
Moments later, a buzzer sounded and the race began.
Kari and her family stayed mostly at a slow jogging pace. Halfway through the run, they stopped at a water table. Volunteers even had water bowls for dogs, so Bo