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SAN ANTONIO TEXAS OCTOBER 4th 2023
David packed his suitcase, folding clothes with a practiced efficiency. He had one more city to fly to, one more match to wrestle before he'd be back home again. As he zipped up the bag, his eyes flickered toward Lani. She sat on the edge of their bed, staring blankly into the distance. Her face was drawn with exhaustion. David knew she hadn't slept at all last night.
He made his way over to her, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "Gimmie a kiss before I go," he said softly, bending down toward her.
Lani remained silent, her gaze unfocused, and when David reached for her chin, she slapped his hand away "Go say bye to Naylor," she said flatly, not even looking at him.
David's shoulders tensed. He sighed. "I know you're still mad, but—"
"Leave me alone and go say goodbye to your son," she cut him off.
Without another word, David grabbed his suitcase and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
He stepped into Naylor's room, the mood shifting as he saw his son lying in bed, wrapped up in his blanket, holding Lani's iPad. Naylor's little face lit up when he saw his dad, but then his eyes dropped to the suitcase beside him, and his expression fell.
"You gotta leave again?" Naylor asked
David nodded. "Yeah, I do, little man. Come here." He set his suitcase down and scooped Naylor up, pulling him close.
He kissed Naylor's cheek, holding him tightly for a moment. "I love you, and I'll be back in a week. You look after your mother for me, okay?"
Naylor nodded, wrapping his small arms around David's neck. "I love you too, but Daddy... I have a question."
David gently pulled back, looking at his son. "What is it, baby?"
"Why don't you and Mommy like each other anymore? It makes me sad," Naylor said, his bottom lip quivering in a small pout.
David swallowed, brushing his hand through Naylor's soft hair. "It's all Daddy's fault, but I promise, I'm gonna fix it."
David stared at his son for a moment, his chest tightening. Naylor's wide, innocent eyes held so much hurt for someone so young. It made David's guilt feel heavier, pressing down on him.
"I promise I'll make things better," David said quietly, trying to smile for his son. He kissed Naylor's forehead again, then set him gently back onto the bed. "You just keep being a good boy for your mommy okay? I love you, no matter what."
Naylor nodded, his small hands clutching the blanket. "I will, Daddy. I love you too."
David stood up, his heart aching as he looked at Naylor one last time.
