On Monday morning, I took Alden to school. Kato and August came along for the ride. We dropped Alden off, and on the way back to the car, Kato told me that he was going to “miss Alden at school today.” I felt bad for the little guy. His world has changed so much so fast. He’s probably spent 98 percent of his waking life with his sister, and now they’re apart 40 hours a week. It must be strange. He’s doing alright with the transition, but I thought it might be nice to take his mind off of missing Alden by heading to the yellow playground.

August isn’t yet up to the challenge of really playing at a playground, so Kato got to set the agenda. The agenda included many trips down the “big slide.”

And daring climbs.

And contemplation of the planets.

Kato was having a fine time being king of the hill, but after a while, he must have noticed that leadership is less satisfying without someone to lead. And so he suggested that baby August might like to play, too.

First Kato showed August how to climb.

Then pushed him in the swing.

And then invited him to take a ride.

At the end of the day, we picked up Alden, and there was great rejoicing. Several smothering hugs.

Alden was in charge again, taller, faster, full of ideas and notions. But I notice a certain spring in Kato’s step. He has had a fleeting glimpse of the view from the top.

And I rather think he likes it.