Hidden Burdens (working title)

Little Things Can Hurt, Too

Kayla and Kimmy had a late lunch from a restaurant near the visiting center before making their way over. This time, they were a little early before Wilma and Stella arrived, which was a first for Kayla. It wasn't like she didn't care to be on time or late; Ben was just overly punctual, especially given how bad traffic can be on the 101.

Kimmy kept fidgeting in the waiting room chair while constantly checking through the window behind them that covered from ceiling to floor.

Kayla noticed and reached over to place a reassuring hand on top of the kid's hand she held in her lap. Kimmy looked up at her face, receiving a warm smile. Kayla offered to say a small prayer to help calm her anxieties and reminded Kimmy to take deep breaths.

This time, Brandon and Zach arrived before Stella and Wilma due to an accident on their route. Kayla commented that she hoped everyone involved was okay while Stella replied in a more negative view they probably had it coming. There was a misfortunate view that a lot of Phoenix drivers did not know how to drive. Kimmy would argue her mom was one of them with her road rage, but would never think to say it out loud.

With everyone there, Kayla offered Kimmy an encouraging hug and told Kimmy that Ben's suggestion to end the visit early would still be an option. Kimmy did not want her to go, but Kayla would be infringing on Stella's time with her kids. Brandon had been an exception the week before because his experience was needed.

On the way down the hall, Kimmy found herself pulling an "Iolaus" as her mom called it whenever she walked further back than the group. It was a reference to the 90s TV show, Hercules, when the character was rightly distrusting of another character who tried to turn him against Hercules to kill him. Kimmy didn't mind being compared to the character even if that wasn't exactly the reason for walking further back, she just minded the teasing her mom would do.

At the door, Stella turned around to say, "Hurry up, Iolaus Jr," followed by a teasing laughter.

Inside, Stella asked about her day. At first, Kimmy shrugged off it was okay but once her mom pulled it out of her, Kimmy explained about getting invited to Chloe's house, playing Animal Crossing with the girls, and getting to show off her island. She couldn't help but grow excited talking about the opportunity she got and hope filled the kid when Stella showed excitement in her own, unique way.

It quickly vanished when Stella said, "Maybe you can play some more when I bring the Switch back."

"But..." Kimmy tried to speak up, weakly. "I'm using it. Can't you wait until I'm done?"

Stella snapped at her. "You had it this whole time, it's not my fault you waited this long to make friends. Now where is it?"

Kimmy backed up, shaking her head. She tried to boldly stand up for herself but Stella wasn't having any of it and Wilma did not help either.

"You're on summer break, Kimmy, you don't need to spend every day playing video games." Wilma reminded Kimmy of her case goals and insisted she needed to make sure to bring her Switch next Sunday when Kimmy was scared into lying as she originally planned.

Kimmy's muteness was kicking in but she managed to squeak out wanting to leave early. But this time, Wilma vetoed it. From her view, it looked like Kimmy was upset about not getting her own way, and maybe part of that was true. But it wasn't the only reason and no one seemed to show compassion the way Ben and Kayla did whenever they had to lay down the law.

Her face suddenly felt warm and her eyes moistened. Kimmy felt herself turn and wander over to a beanbag chair where she dropped. Kimmy curled into a ball and hugged herself. Her first thought was wishing John was there, or even Kayla. Her mind also wrestled with the thought of Ben. She could hear her mom tease her about sulking while thinking about who had become her new favorite people. Stephen and Mal were still in her top ten but had finally been booted from their top number one spot they held for so long.