A Family

Neglected

"It would only take a few minutes."
-

Ethan starts working again, mostly out securing the area to make it safer, and scavenging for supplies. You work at the medbay as a nurse, you always have to bring Parker with you, since he can't handle being alone with others and Ethan can't take him on his work. At first that wasn't a problem at all.

...

You walk over to Ethan with Parker. "Hey."

"Hey." Ethan smiles in greeting and ruffles Parker's head.

"Are you ready to help Parker wash?" You ask and Ethan cringe because he had forgot he promised to get it done today.

"I'm so sorry, I forgot, I just have to finish this up, can you wait just a little longer?" He asks and you sigh, having been the third time you've reminded or asked just today. You then think for a second and bend down to Parker.

"Parker, would you be okay if I helped you this time?" You ask and Parker nods in answer. "Okay." You stand back up addressing Ethan. "We'll be fine, just do what you have to." You tell him and he sighs in relief.

"Thank you. I promise I'll help next time." Ethan says and goes to move past you to get his work done for the night, but not before kissing Parker and you on your heads. "Thank you."

"But don't even think about getting anywhere near us until you're clean too." You shout after him and hear him chuckle, sending you a thumbs up.

...

Ethan spends less and less time with you and Parker as he's working more and more. It isn't intentional, he's just getting back into work mode, and very soon he got a lot of responsibility. He's getting back to what he used to be, but what's wrong with that, is that before he didn't have someone to come home to, now he does. Ethan is forgetting that as he's too focused on work, because he wants it to be as safe here as possible for the two of you. But if this keeps going, you were going to be safe.. but not happy.

The days and weeks go by, and Ethan mostly works, leaving only you with Parker. And even though you love Parker, everyone needs a break sometimes, and unfortunately he's still completely dependent on you or Ethan. Even though you tried to encourage and push him gently to try to be with others alone, he wasn't ready yet.

...

Ethan had said he would play with Parker and hang out as a family right after he came back today, and the two of you were waiting by the parking. As Ethan gets out of the truck he happily opens his arms to Parker running excitedly toward him. They talk and giggle as he walks to you, you greet his team as they pass. Before you get the chance to kiss his cheek in greeting like you sometimes do, Camile walks up to Ethan.

She tells him she needs a report from today's run and he agrees to come with her to get it done. Parker gets visibly disappointed and sad. Watching as he leaves, you can't help but catch the slightest smug look Camile gives you before walking away with him. Ethan ended up working even more that day, not making it back before it was time for bed.

...

You and Parker were taking a walk outside to get some air in your work break. Then he suddenly runs off when seeing Ethan in the distance. You run to try and catch up, but he reaches Ethan before you get the chance.