The Life Of Michael Afton

{10} Goodbyes

Kathy stands at the entrance to the airport, Imira in one hand and a suitcase in the other. Her ex-husband stands across from her, holding Michael in his arms. It's very poetic, the perfect divide of their family.

Of course, it's not that simple— Michael is trying to climb up onto William's shoulders, and Imira is complaining that she's hungry, and there are four more suitcases behind Kathy. Still, though. It's a rather tragically poetic picture.

...Not that she's taking pictures as she and her four-year old daughter are emigrating from a country she's lived in for six years and leaving behind who she'd thought was the love of her life and her other child, but the point still stands.

"Well, we've only got a few hours before our flight. We'd better get going soon." Kathy lets go of Imira's hand, "Say goodbye to Mikey, okay?"

Imira nods. "Mikey, gimme a hug! I wanna hug you before we go on the really long trip!"

Giggling, Michael worms out of his father's arms and meets his sister halfway, hugging her tight. "Maman, why can't Daddy and I come too?" His tilted head and confused expression tugs at Kathy's heart, and once again she wonders if she's making the right choice.

"Because Mommy and Imira are going on a trip so Mommy won't be mad at Daddy." William makes the decision for her, attempting to explain to the young child without scaring or worrying him. It seems to work, because Michael nods, "Okay!"

"When am I gonna see him again?" Imira's question is directed at Kathy, expecting an answer that she doesn't have.

"Uhh...maybe a few months. I don't want to keep you away from each other for too long."

"Months? But that's for-ever, Maman..." Michael pouts.

"I know, but it's for the best." Kathy checks the time again. "I'm sorry, Imira, but we have to go really soon. Say goodbye one last time and then we're going to catch our flight, alright?"

Imira hugs Michael again, "Bye-bye Mikey. I'm going to miss you."

"Me too Imi."

She moves past and hugs William's leg, "Bye-bye Daddy. You're gonna bring Mikey to visit, right?"

William chuckles, "Of course, Imira. I promise you'll see us again."

Kathy grabs the bag, "Imira, we really have to go."

Imira sighs, then goes over to her side and puts her little backpack on. "Okay Maman. Bye Mikey!" She looks over her shoulder to wave back at him one final time, before turning to catch up to her mother.

"Bye Imi..." Michael waves half-heartedly. He drops his hand after a moment. Turning towards William, his eyes well up slightly with tears. "Why do they have to leave?!" It's unfair! I don't want Imi to leave!

William picks him up again, "You're too young to understand, but it's for the best. Your mommy wouldn't be happy if she stayed with me, and Imira wouldn't be happy if Kathy left without her. This was the most logical solution."

"B-but what about me? Why couldn't I go with Imira?"

William's eyebrows crease and a shadow falls over his expression. "Because...because I would be sad if I lost both of you."

Michael's lip wobbles. "Why can't we all just be happy?! I want Imira and Maman, why can't I have them and you? Why did you make us choose?" His face scrunches up and he starts to cry, soft sobs shaking his shoulders. William crouches down next to him, holding his arms out. "I'm sorry, bud. I wish we could have everything too, but the world's not perfect." He gathers the four-year-old into a hug, holding the only family he has left close.

622 words
4/3/23