Every Summer Has A Story

Ch. 32 - The Best Dad Ever

"Where were you at dinner time?" a tentative voice wheezed over the table where Eve was busy doling out night time meds.

Timothy Gibbons' round face peered up at her intently, concern etched into his features. Eve gave him a bright reassuring smile.

"I'll be honest with you, Timothy," she said, "I wasn't feeling well so Zayne had me go lie down for a few hours."

Timothy nodded solemnly,

"That's what my mom has me do when I don't feel good, too."

Eve pulled out Timothy's impressive bag of evening medication and began handing him capsules to swallow.

"That's what family is for, buddy."

He took the first handful of pills with a big swig of water and gave Eve another smile.

"My mom is the best family ever," he gushed, "I miss dad sometimes, but my mom is so great."

Eve felt her heart soften.

"Are you having fun at camp?"

Timothy nodded vigorously,

"I am! Nathanael is the best counselor ever!"

Eve held back a giggle. "The best ever" had become somewhat of a signature Timothy Gibbons phrase among the staff. It was precious.

"He's definitely great," Eve agreed, handing Timothy his inhaler and chamber.

Timothy assembled the pieces as Nathanael approached the pair.

"Almost ready, buddy?" he asked.

"Yup!" Timothy chirped, taking a deep inhale from his breathing contraption.

Nathanael and Eve watched their camper with amusement and he studied them back. After 15 seconds or so he blew out his breath and beamed up at Nathanael,

"Nathanael," he said warmly, "you should be my new daddy."

Nathanael stilled, eyes nearly bugging out of his head, and gave a nervous laugh,

"Wow buddy, thank you. That means a lot."

Timothy regarded Nathanael like the stars that shine and returned his attention back to his inhaler, all while Eve fought for composure. Panic was written all over Nathanael, from his body language to the doe-eyed stare he kept swinging her way, and Eve was struggling to hold in her laughter. Finally, Timothy took his last inhaler hit for the evening and scampered off to join in cabin mates. Wordlessly, Nathanael motioned to Scooby, his CIT, to take the kids back for showers and sank into a nearby vacant chair. His cabin was the last to leave and as soon as that door shut, Eve broke into a crippling fit of laughter. She was bent in half, gasping for air with tears running down her face when Zayne walked over.

"I have to know." He said, switching his gaze between shell-shocked Nathanael and beside-herself Eve.

Eve swallowed several times against the laughter and let out a hiccup,

"Timothy Gibbons," she struggled to get out.

"Is the best ever?" Zayne prompted.

"No!" Nathanael huffed, "not the best ever!"

Eve planted both hands firmly on her hips and sucked in several steadying breaths.

"Timothy has a dream, Zayne. A dream to complete his family, and it stars our dear Nathanael."

Zayne's expression turned jovial,

"I simply need to know."

Nathanael jut out his bottom lip,