" Dondon? What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice tinged with surprise and confusion. I looked around outside, scanning the area for any sign of trouble and the. focused back on him. His bags were scattered on the porch, some already toppling over onto the floor. " Can i come in?" Dondon asked, his voice heavy with sadness. " Sure." I opened the door wider. He stepped inside and sank onto the couch with a heavy sigh. " Armoni, i'm going through so much," Dondon started, his voice trembling. " I don't have anywhere to go. I don't have any money. I owe money to my gang leader." He looked up at me. " Can i stay with you for a while, just until i get back on my feet?" I looked down, feeling a pang of sympathy but also knowing my own limitations, Dondon has put me through so much. " I... I don't know, Dondon. I don't think i can help you". Dondon's eyes began to fill with tears, " Please, Armoni", he begged, his voice breaking. I just looked at him, unable to find words. He sighed deeply and stood up, walking slowly towards the door. As he opened it, a wave of guilt washed over me. " Dondon," I called after him. He turned to look at me, hope flickering in his eyes. " You can stay for tonight. It's tooo dark for you to be out roaming the streets". I can see the happiness all over his face. " Thank you, Armoni," he said quietly his voices filled with gratitude.
The next morning, I woke up to the smell of bacon baking in the oven. Slowly rubbing my eyes, I looked around the room and noticed my baby wasn't next to me. I rushed up with a panic and ran out of the room. " Don't worry, she's right here with me," Dondon said calmly. He was standing at the stove, holding Kehlani in one arm while making eggs with the other. His voice and the sight of them eased my heart. I walked over and sat down at the bar, watching them. Kehlani giggled, reaching for the spatula in Dondon's hand, and he laughed softly, gently bouncing her to keep her entertained. I started to wonder what it would be like the have a family like this, a stable and loving environment for Kehlani. Dondon glanced over his shoulder and smiled at me. " Hope you don't mind, I thought I'd make breakfast. Figured it's the least I could do." I shook my head, still taking in the scene. " No, it's fine. Thank you." Dondon set the plates down, one in front of me and one in front of him. Kehlani had her own plate with a smaller portion. I took a bite, surprised by how delicious it was.
" I have to start planning for Kehlani's first birthday," I added, my mind already spinning with ideas. Dondon sighed, setting his fork down. " Ima go out today and try to find a job so i can help you plan it as well. It's her first, so I know you want it to be the best." " It's okay Dondon. I got this. I'll pay for everything", I replied, trying to reassure him. " NO ARMONI!" he interrupted, slamming his fist on the table. It made me jump and i saw the frustration on his face. " She's my daughter too. I want to contribute. I need to." I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. " I know Dondon, I know you want to help. But i also know how hard things are for you right now." He softened, his eyes pleading. " I just want to be a part of her life, to take responsibility. Please, let me do this." I nodded slowly, understanding his needs to be involved. " Okay Dondon, we'll do this together."
heey yaal! sorry for the LONG break. life started to LIFING, but i'm back and working on something new as well 😘
- how do yall feel about Armoni letting Dondon back into her life?
