Father Josh

First Day

~Simon's POV~

Vik's first day back at the day care center was rough.

 All the other kids missed the cinnamon boy and had charged at us in greeting. I snatched up the poor boy, carefully, not to jostle him too much. The kids slowed their gait, all growing confused.

"You need to be gentle with Vik, guys. He's hurt."

Shocked gasps arise and they gossip amongst themselves as best as little kids can. Ethan walks shyly up to me, quite out of character for the rambunctious ginger boy. He holds his hand up and presents the same ring he had shown Josh and I in the hospital. 

"Mumma said 'ik was back. He have it?"

I crouch down so the two two toddlers are equal. I help Vik straighten his arm and spread his fingers. Ethan slides the finger onto the finger I direct him too. Even though it is a kid's ring, it's slightly too big, soo it looks like I'm putting it on a chain later.  The two toddlers babble back and forth, excited about the jewelry.  

The cast around Vik's torso and right leg had been removed, but the one surrounding his left leg remained., making it so my baby couldn't walk still.  I set him on the floor and Ethan plops down beside him.  The two hold hands and continue babbling.  The other kids by now had gone off to play themselves.  Except for one; the ball of energy ironically named Josh, Harry's brother. 

The small boy had just begun walking and understanding words. The boy's eyes held a mischievous glint. Before I can question the boy, he takes off and leaps at Vik. I try to grab him but miss, and he crashes into Vik. The little boy cackles in glee, not registering the wailing boy beneath him. 

An enraged Ethan pushes Josh off and hugs Vik. I scold Josh and scoop up both boys. I carry them back to the kitchen area and deposit them on the counter. Luckily, the daycare kept ice packs in the freezer and I retrieve them.

"Ethan, can you help Vik lie down?"

"No sleep Papa."

"It's not for sleep, Vikky."

"O-kay."

Both of them lay down, and if Vik wasn't crying, I would awe over them. I wrap the packs and begin placing them on my baby. He winces as grows cold, wrapping his hand around Ethan's.

"Shh. Okay 'ik. I here."

As I place the last ice pack, little Harry wanders into the room. They look at the two cuddling tots and smile.

"Ethan make Vik better?"

"It would seem so, Harry."

Ethan's free hand rubs up and down Vik's arm, talking to him soothingly. Eventually, Ethan pulls Vik carefully to him and I watch as Vik's eyes slowly close. Vik hadn't been sleeping well due to the pain, so seeing him fall asleep so easily with Ethan warmed my heart and filled me with relief. 

"I sorry about Josh, Mister Simon." 

" No need to say sorry Harry. It wasn't your fault. Vik is okay now."

He's okay now.