“You’ve got stinky breath,” he informed me, and I couldn’t stop a laugh, turning away from him as I did.
“Sorry, buddy.”
“It’s okay. I prolly have bad breath too.”
I met his eyes again and smiled, sliding off the bed, and grabbing my phone. It was nine. Obviously, the next morning since the sun was up. I had slept a good twelve hours.
“How are you feeling, sweetness?” I asked.
“Hungry,” he said. “The nurse said I could have chocolate pudding. Can I?”
“You bet, bud. You can have whatever you want.”
“I can?” His eyes grew wide and he bit his lip. “Can I have ice cream?”
“I don’t think they have ice cream here, but I’ll take you for some when we go home.”
He pumped a fist in the air. “Yes.”
“When did the nurse come in?”
“Little while ago. We had to whisper so we didn’t wake you.”
Before I could respond, the nurse walked in with two containers of pudding. “I brought you two.”
“Wow,” Felix said. “Thank you.”
I smiled, stroking his hair. “How is he?” I asked the nurse.
“He looks good. The doctor thinks he can go home in a few hours,” she said, taking his temperature. “He’ll be here in a few minutes, so he can talk to you about everything.”
“Okay, thank you,” I said and focused back on Felix.
“Pudding for breakfast is the bomb,” Felix said, his mouth full of chocolatey goodness.
I chuckled. “The Nineties called, they want their catch phrase back.”
Felix laughed. “You’re a goof, Auntie Brina.”
I grinned. “I’ve heard that somewhere before.”
“Uncle Luca,” Felix provided.
“Yes, you’re right. Itwashim,” I said in mock surprise. “He’s one to talk.”
“Did I hear my name?” Luca asked, strolling in and I didn’t miss the nurse virtually swoon with lust. My parents were right behind him and I accepted hugs from both of them.
“Luca!” Felix squealed, chocolate flying out of his mouth. “Nonna! Nonno!”
I grabbed a napkin and wiped his face as Luca wrapped Felix in a bear hug.
“How’s my favorite six-year-old?” Luca asked.
“I get to have pudding for breakfast,” he said with excitement.
“I see that,” Luca said, hugging me.
“And I can watch all the TV I want,” he said, glancing at me for permission.
