Two days before spring break.
“Daddy, are we still going to be able to go see Kyle?” Angel asks from his bed.
“I don’t think so.” I say. “Celestine is still sick.” I add.
“But she will get better.” Angel says.
“She will get better, but I don’t think in time. There’s only two days before we’re supposed to go.” I explain.
“I don’t like her being sick.”
“I know Angel, but she will get well.” I say making sure Celestine’s fever hasn’t returned.
“I wanted to see Kyle too.” Angel says.
“I know my little boy. I did too, but we will see him later. We will visit him later maybe in the summer.”
“Okay.”
“Do you want to a snack? We have mangos, your favorite.”
Angel nods, but doesn’t move.
“Here.” I say extending my hand for him to take. “Let’s get the mango and then come back to keep Celestine company.”
“Yes.” Angel says.
I cut the mango into pieces and place it into a bowl for Angel.
“Do you want something else?” I ask.
“No. Are you getting some too?”
“Yes, I am.” I responds as I grab another mango.
“Is dad coming home early today?”
“I’m not sure.” I respond instead of saying no. I’m trying not to let it bother me. Apparently, he took vacation time, but all of this week he’s been working late almost missing dinner with us.
“Okay.” He responds taking a piece of mango. “Thank you daddy.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile. “Okay, I’m done. Want to go back?”
“Yes.”
We take a seat on Angel’s bed.
“So do you want to watch a movie or I can read you a book?” I say after I’ve done eating the mango.
“Won’t it wake Celestine?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Okay, can you read me Mulan?”
“Yes, I can.” I respond getting up to retrieve the book.
“Can we sit on the rocking chair?” Angel asks.
“Yes, we can.”
I read the story while Angel sits on my lap. Celestine continues to sleep with no interruption. We stay there until it is time for dinner. After checking on Celestine’s temperature I bring Angel with me to start dinner. Just as dinner is ready Xavier arrives home.
“Hey, Cristian. Angel, how are you?”
I nod in response.
“I’m fine.” Angel responds.
“How is Celestine?” Xavier asks.
“She’s sleeping, but her fever has gone down.” I respond.
“That’s good then. I’ll go check if she’s awake.”
“Yes.” I respond.
“Angel, are you going to want some bread?”
YOU ARE READING
Luminous Fire
General FictionCristian meets Xavier in an art class, they become friends, they get married, they start a family; a journey that should be shared. It is not like Cristian thought it would be. He endures it because of his children, but is that the best decision? Wi...
