“You’re the best I’ve ever had,” Aisen replies quietly. He smiles and acts like those words won’t be etched in my heart for decades to come. Aisen wants me to be his family, so that’s exactly what I’ll be.
I let Aisen play his video games while I catch Skyler up with all the drama. Hours later, we’re having Christmas lunch in the living room. Naturally, the Chinese food places deliver, and the three of us share a joyous holiday feast. Skyler tells Aisen all about the latest marine rehabilitation projects, and Aisen asks him if he can rejoin the program. Skyler promptly welcomes him back with a smile.
But alas, it’s time to bite the bullet and do what Aisen’s been dreading. I dial up my brother on video phone. The three of us are sitting on the couch when their faces pop up.
“Hey, Merry Christmas,” I say.
“Merry Christmas,” Ryan says. “Aisen, glad you’re well.”
“Hi, Dad,” he says.
“Who’s that with you?” Shannon asks.
I take Skyler’s hand. “This is my boyfriend, Skyler.” He gives an awkward wave, and I go back to staring at the camera. “You knew Aisen swam to my place last night, right?”
“Yes, we got the text,” Shannon says in an annoyed tone.
“And you didn’t text me back?” Aisen asks.
“We had a holiday show. We knew you’d be fine.” She bristles. “And I don’t appreciate that tone, young man. Especially since you’re missing the holiday afternoon show.”
“Mom,” Aisen whines.
“Be nice to your mom,” I say in my sternest tone. When Aisen looks at me with confusion, I turn back to the screen. “But also, maybe you should have called?”
“We were busy,” Shannon retorts. “After all, we cancelled your octopus portion of the show, meaning we needed to fill the time with other acts.”
Aisen bristles and I pat his shoulder. “It’s alright. Aisen tell them what you told me.”
My nephew takes a long deep breath. “I want to live here and not join the circus.”
Shannon stares with concern for a long pause. “But what about the shows?”
“I’d rather go to school,” Aisen says. “A real school on land. And the Institute.” He exchanges a grateful smile with Skyler.
Shannon sighs. “This is extremely disappointing, young man.”
“Is it?” Ryan asks. His wife turns to him, and my eyebrows rise. “We kind of saw this coming.”
“Well,” Shannon says.
“Sweetie, our son isn’t exactly good at this role. The fans aren’t taking to it,” Ryan says.
“That is true,” Shannon admits. “I just thought…we could be a family act.”
“We’ll always be a family, and we’ll always have our son.” Ryan points at the camera, and I can’t even breathe. “But clearly, having him on the road at such a young age isn’t right for him. He swam back to my brother, the superior parent.”
“Oh, uh, that’s not…true,” I try to say. Everyone else interrupts me with variations of “Yes, it is,” and I try not to be flattered.
“Aisen, we love you, but you’re fifteen,” Ryan says.
“I’m fourteen,” he replies.
“Seriously?” Ryan exchanges an incredulous look with Shannon, then turns back to us. “Anyway, you know what you want. And your mother and I love you. And part of loving someone is knowing what’s best for them. A life with yoursamchonis clearly the path for you.”
He turns to his wife. “Right, Shannon?” She bites her lip, and Ryan frowns. “I said: right, Shannon?!” he says in a firmer, louder tone than I’m used to.
She startles and says, “Yes, yes. We love you. And this is probably for the best.”
