Father Josh

Slowy, But Surely

"Baby, you've got to come out from under there. Papa and I are too old to crawl under and get you."

"I stay then."

"I know you're upset, sweetheart, but you gotta come out."

"No."

"Now, Ethan and his mum are here so we can talk. Be a big boy and come on."

A little hand sticks it's way out from the blanket nest Vik had constructed under his bed. His little face peeks out, not long after.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, Baby?"

"Stuck."

I let out a breathy laugh as I flatten myself to the floor. I shimmy so my head is just under the bed and reach forward.

Grabbing the blanket cocoon, I heave it and Vik slides toward me. He giggles and frees himself from the rest of the blankets before we both crawl out.

He wiggles a hit before crawling into my lap. My hand is grabbed and he plays with the ring and fingers, face held pensively.

"No talk to Etan."

"We have to baby boy. You're hurting and Papa and I don't want you to hurt anymore. This is kinda more grown up stuff, but it's good to learn how to face your problems."

"Be a big boy?"

"You can be whatever you want, you just need to learn that you can't hide all the time."

"Okay Daddy... Sitara?"

I nuzzle his hair a bit before lifting ya off the ground. The old elephant stuffie lies on his bed in its usual spot.

Vik leans back in my arms so he's hanging upside down. His arms reach out and scoop up the stuffed animal, pulling it close to his chest. He raises himself back up and snuggles back into my chest.

"All set baby?"

"I'm good Daddy."