"and so the river runs with all of our secrets."
Knox Whiley; left ashamed and traumatized. Being the one that looks out for everyone he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and burdens no one should have to carry. Life for him is an end...
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K N O X
Koa sits at the end of the breakfast table, silently staring straight ahead like he's in a daze. Pulling the chair out the loud squeak brings him back to an unfortunate reality. I lay my hand on his shoulder, "Doing okay?" He nods and takes small bites of his cereal. "How about we get some real breakfast, huh?"
He bobs his head and puts his dish in the sink. "Yo, Princeton. Get your jacket, we're leaving." I shout at the bottom of the stairs. Tossing my jacket on I find Koa's hanging on the coat rack and hand it to him. "Eggs Benedict sounds good."
Princeton rushes down the stairs tripping over his own foot. He lands on the floor, his drawings scattered across the marble, and his glasses are knocked to the floor. Grabbing the back of his shoulders I lift him to his feet. "You okay, Prince?"
He grins, his cheeks fade a faint red, clearly embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm okay."
Kneeling down I sweep his papers into a pile and hand him his large stack of sketches and various drawings. "Maybe slow down next time."
"I know, I know. I'm just starving." He smiles sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck. I can tell, they both look much thinner than the last time I saw them. I should never have left them this long. Or maybe not at all.
Grabbing the door I hold it open for them before locking it. Koa climbs into the passenger seat as I start the car. "You guys okay with Lucille's?"
"Sounds good." Koa mumbles and turns his attention to the greenery passing outside the window.
Princeton's head bounces in the back, "Good with me. I want a whole plate of bacon and fruit waffles." I can tell his mouth is watering.
"Man, you can get whatever you want and as much as you want," I tell them, lightly slapping Koa's leg with the back of my hand.
p a s t
"Hey!" Princeton cries as I snatch his sketchbook. "Give that back... please." He mutters the last part.
"Hang on a sec, I wanna see what you've got in here." Flipping open the book to a random page I gaze in amazement. I knew Princeton has always loved to doodle, but for a seven-year-old, this is seriously impressive, his attention to detail is impeccable.
He pouts in his spot when he realizes I'm not giving it back anytime soon. "Princeton... these are really good."
He fights the smile that arises. "Really?"
I nod and hand him back his book. "Really." Glancing at my watch to check the time I glance at Koa hanging out in the living room. "You wanna get some food?"
"Yes please."
I gather their jackets and grab my keys. "Koa,"
He hops off the couch and takes the hoodie in my hand, shoving it over his head. Princeton closes his book and pulls it on, struggling with the zipper. His face starts to turn red, definitely getting irritated. Kneeling I zip his jacket for him. Leading them to my car I instruct them to get into the backseat.
