The Accident that Changed Everything

Chapter 27: Acceptance

Kevin looked up from his phone and smiled at Kim, trying to appear relaxed despite the seriousness of their earlier conversation. "Hey, I need to head back to the hotel for sunscreen. Does anyone want to join? Kris, you can drop off your new friend if you want, or maybe get a bag to carry him in?" he asked, standing up from his chair.

None of the kids seemed eager to walk all the way back to the resort. They wanted to do as much as they could as fast as they could. Kris, still holding onto his new plush toy, pulled it in for a hug and reluctantly agreed to go with. He wasn't planning on dropping off his new friend, but the idea of getting out of these pants and into some that wouldn't smell like pee sounded like a great idea. "I'll go," he chimed up.

Kim smiled at Kevin, relieved that he had found a way to get Kirs alone and long enough to talk things through. "We'll meet up with you in a bit then," she said, standing up and gesturing to the rest of the kids to follow her.

As they walked towards the hotel, Kevin fell into step beside Kris, his eyes fixed on his son's flushed face.

"Hey buddy, how are you doing?" Kevin asked, trying to sound casual despite knowing he had to have a tough conversation with his son.

Kris looked up at him, still holding onto his plush toy tightly. "I'm fine, Dad," he replied, his voice a little bright.

Kevin nodded, his expression softening. "Hey, kiddo. I wanted to talk to you about something." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Mom told me what happened with your pull-up."

Kris's eyes darted away, and he shrugged, trying to play it cool. Kevin knew that look though - it was the same one Kris had when hiding something. The same look he got each time they talked about his bed wetting accidents.

"Kris, come on," Kevin said gently, taking a step closer to his son. "We need to talk about this stuff, okay? Mom and I are just trying to figure out what's going on."

Kris looked up at him again with a hint of despair in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to. I've been trying to be good but I keep messing up." Tears started to build up in his eyes.

Kevin took another step closer, his voice taking on a gentle tone as he wrapped his arm around him. "It's not about messing things up, kiddo. It's about finding ways to make sure you feel safe and comfortable, okay? The last thing we want for you is to be embarrassed in front of others." 

He recalled the airport incident, recoiling with frustration. He never wanted something like that to happen to him. "Sometimes that means wearing those pull-ups. Or telling us when you need help. Okay?"

Kris nodded slowly, his expression softening. "I know, Dad. I just...sometimes it feels like I'm never going to get over this. Like I'm just always going to disappoint you." A small tear started to stream down his face. Kris wanted more then anything to avoid this conversation.

Kevin's heart went out to his son. He never wanted to make his kids feel that way. "I know how you feel, buddy," he said, stopping to meet Kris at eye level. "I used to know a kid in school who had the same problem. And I saw how the other kids would pick on him for it. I.. I just don't want that to happen to you."