83. Kendall
Kendall
Holding Akio on one hip, I peer into Kai’s hospital room. He’s staring up at the ceiling blankly. What is going on inside his beautiful head?
What is he thinking?
As soon as we enter and Akio runs to his bedside, his entire demeanor changes. His face lights up immediately. He clearly needed this. We all did.
“Kai Kai!” Akio shouts, his little chin peeking above the hospital bed.
“Hey, little man!” Kai responds.
“We have to be careful, baby,” I warn. “Kai is still healing and getting better.” I pick Akio up and place him next to Kai and Akio wraps his arms around his neck. Kai’s eyes blur with tears while he hugs him back.
“I missed you,” Kai says, kissing his head.
“I missed you more,” Akio challenges. Akio stares at him curiously, in wonder. The way only young children can. He brings his chubby little fingers up to Kai’s face, where he traces the remains of cuts and bruises.
“Does it hurt?” Akio asks him.
“Not anymore,” Kai responds, stiffening slightly.
“Were you brave?” Akio whispers. Kai clears his throat.
“I tried to be brave like Spider-Man,” he answers, bringing his forehead to Akio’s.
“That’s really brave,” Akio decides.
“Okay, why don’t we read a book with Kai?” I suggest trying to change the subject for him.
“Yay!” Akio squeals. I remove a few of his favorites from my tote bag and hand them to Akio. While he contemplates which one he wants to read first, Kai mouths thank you to me over his head. I walk over to him and press a kiss to his cheek.
“You’re welcome,” I smile. “I’m going to give you two a little alone time, okay? Maybe get us some coffees.” He returns the smile, his grin growing wide while Akio plops a book on his chest. And for the first time in weeks, I see a glimpse of the real Kai.