“I don’t hate you.” He doesn’t say anything, just gives me a tight lipped smile. But then something strange and unnerving occurs to me.
“Why did you offer me money if you needed it so badly?” I blurt out. This is probably my only opportunity to get closure and answers from him, I might as well use it to my full advantage.
“I knew you wouldn’t take it,” he answers. Sure. Certain.
“How?”
“Because you’regood,” he emphasizes, a small smile forming in the corner of his mouth. “You always have been. I knew coming there and expressing my fears was probably enough.”
“Will you tell Kai?” I prod.
“In my own time, yes. I think right now it’s best for me to respect his wishes and keep my distance from Akio though. But I do want to meet him when things…” he trails off, struggling to come up with the words.
“When things settle a bit?” I offer. He nods.
“Thank you, Kendall, for listening to me,” he says in parting before heading in to see Kai.
Chapter 83
Kendall
HoldingAkioononehip, 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 mouthsthank youto 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.
Chapter 84
Kai
I’mgettingdischargedtoday.I’m finally allowed to go home. But most days, I wake up wishing they had killed me instead.
