Unwritten: Diary of a Lean Green Plumber

A Spire of Flame

6 January 2019

Smash Mansion

Dear Diary,

Before I headed to my first match of the day, Julian called. Jas was now in labor, and like Jackie before her, she had decided on a water birth. But whereas Jas had been born in the hospital, she and Jake had decided to do this birth at home. Jules sounded excited, nervous and rattled at once. I told him to keep me updated via text, and that I'd respond when I could. As for me, I used my bouts, the Training Area and the gym to work off my own nervous energy, silently praying for Jas.

At 10:30, Joanna Lucille made her entrance into the world. Jules texted me a picture of his granddaughter along with the news, and I could swear she looked a lot like Josh. Her chin was resting on one fist, as if there was a pensive air about her—maybe she was waiting for her brother to arrive. I texted back my congratulations just as my next match was announced.

I'd just freshened up from that match when Jules passed on the news of Joshua Edward's arrival. Josh had his great-grandfather's looks, as well, and both babies had a head full of jet black hair, just like him. Then, Jules sent me a few photos of the two babies snuggling together and invited me to head over and meet them in person after my bouts.

At five-thirty, I arrived at Jas's apartment, with Jules, Jackie and Joan greeting me at the door. They led me to the master bedroom, where Jas and Jake cuddled with their babies. Joanna was on the left, and Josh was on the right. They looked so comfortable!

"Congratulations, you two," I said.

"Thanks," said Jas, sounding exhausted but so happy at the two lives she'd helped create. "These two are inseparable. When the midwife tried to take one away, the other started fussing."

I laughed. "At least they're not fighting," I said.

"Would you like to hold them?" asked Jake.

"Sure," I said.

The new parents directed me to sit on one of the sofas. First, Jake brought Joanna over, and then Josh. They shifted and made a few small noises, but were otherwise undisturbed from their rest.

But then, Josh's eyes blinked open, and he looked straight up at me. His eyes were almost the same color as his namesake's. And his mouth curved upwards in a slight smile. It was as if his great-grandfather was speaking to me through him, assuring me that he'd always be around, albeit not physically. Forgive me, but I just broke.

Jules went over then, rubbing the small of my back. "Just let it out..." he encouraged, sounding tearful himself.

"Josh..." I managed to croak, and Jules knew exactly which Josh I was talking about.

"I miss him, too—especially today," he said. "He would've loved to hold his great-grandchildren. But—each generation must make way for the next one, and in this Josh's eyes—we'll see him."

The two of us kissed Josh, and then Joanna, on the top of their heads, and then I gave the infants back to their parents.