With a bit of pouting, a lot of grumbling from Daddy, I got what I wanted. I grabbed a shirt from his closet, wore it as a pajama, and settled into his big bed with Daddy's arms around me.
"I promise I'll be a good boy and not do anything, Daddy," I whisper into his chest.
"I know, boy. Now, get some sleep. Sweet dreams, Sebastian."
"Sweet dreams, Daddy."
Even after his breathing evens out, I stay awake, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It takes me back to my eighteenth birthday. I hadn't planned much beyond a family dinner.
What's the big deal with birthdays? Especially turning eighteen. I just don't get it.
One day you're a kid, the next you're magically an adult. Whoever came up with that was an idiot. Sure, maybe it works for ordinary kids. But not for me. I'd grown up years ago. Yet people still saw me as "the kid." And even after eighteen, some still would.
Ugh. At least I'll get to see Daddy today. He and my brother will be here to celebrate with me. I wonder what gift I'll receive from Daddy Ezrah.
I sulked in my bedroom until I finally wandered downstairs for food. From the living room, I hear the TV, so I know it can't be Mom, she's working. When I peek in, I see Daddy Ezrah sprawled on the couch with Aziel lying on top of him, nestled between his legs. Both are asleep.
My gut twists. I want to be the one lying in Daddy's embrace, listening to his heart.
I stay half an hour, watching from across the room. I'm so envious that I imagine twisting Aziel's head, snapping his neck, stabbing him again and again until his blood drenches the pristine carpet. Until he's no longer wrapped around what's mine.
Thatwould've been a wonderful gift.
Sadly, it was an impossible gift. But luckily, I get something way better. Aziel gives me something generic I barely look at, but Daddy… Daddy hands me a small, handcrafted wooden dog. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen.
"I remembered you always watching dogs on the street and figured you love them. I started woodcrafting a couple ofmonths ago, and this is actually the first piece that turned out okay."
"Okay? It's amazing! Thank you so much."
I cradle it close to my chest as Aziel rolls his eyes.
"I know it's not very good, but Aziel and I wanted you to have something handmade for your special day."
Bullshit. This is all Daddy. But I don't say it out loud.
"Thank you. I'll always keep it safe."
Just like I'll always protect you too, Daddy.
Always, all for you.
***
"What are we going to do today?" I ask excitedly over coffee.
We already ate breakfast, and I'm ready to spend the day with Daddy.
He chuckles, his eyes soft in a way I've never seen. "You're impatient, aren't you?"
"I may not look it, but I'm actually a very, very patient boy."
After all, I waited years for you, Daddy.
"Hmm, I'm not sure I believe you."
"So…"
"I got up earlier than you to plan our date today." I open my mouth, but he cuts me off. "It's a surprise. But before that, I have something for you."
