Whether I have only one day a week for him or not, I’ve always been part of Kael’s life. Nero, on the other hand, is new. And every day, he seems to enchant Kael a little more. After two weeks of visits, my son’s favorite superhero isn’t the only opinion that’s changed.
He’s decided he likes blue more than yellow now. That apples are his favorite fruit—even though he used to refuse to eat them. That he doesn’t like bread crusts. And he asked me to buy him a button-up, long-sleeved shirt he can roll up to his elbows, “like Daddy’s.”
Watching all of this unfold has set up an exhausting battle in my chest—and we’re only just beginning. It helps and it doesn’t help that Nero has been, so far, nothing but exactly what he promised he would be.
He comes only at the agreed times. He always asks first. He doesn’t stay longer than he should. He accepts the weekday limits I impose. And he treats Kael like a prince—which, in truth, he is.
Most visits are accompanied by my mother, since they happen at night while I’m at work. Minimizing my time with Nero is one of my selfish choices—one I don’t regret.
Nina:You can. I’m off today.
I send the reply, and his answer comes quickly.
Nero:Any specific time?
Nina:Around 2 p.m., after lunch.
Nero:Can I bring Kael a present?
Nina:You brought him a present yesterday.
Nero:I know.
Nina:We’re not going to spoil him. Let’s wait a bit.
Nero:All right. See you later, Nina.
I don’t reply to his last message. I get out of bed and start organizing my day, because I have the feeling it’s going to be a long one.
***
“Come on, Dad! It’s movie time!” Kael practically drags Nero to the couch before I’ve even finished closing the door.
My son insisted on answering the door with me. When I told him Nero was coming today, he nearly did cartwheels—and with an innocent but still painful blow, he told me, “I love Grandma, but the best days are when you and Dad are home.”
I told him that had only happened three times. He confirmed that those had been the best ones. Then he tilted his head, thoughtful, and decided that maybe one day—when we were “all, all” home—his dad, his grandma, his uncles, and me—maybe that would be the best day of all.
Kael fell in love with the guys instantly. And how could he not? Unlike Nero, who respects the boundaries I set, the uncles had been indulging Kael’s every wish—until I threatened them, saying that if they didn’t stop, they’d only get to see him once a week.
“What movie are we watching today?” I ask, sitting down on the couch beside Kael. Nero takes the other side, leaving our son between us.
“Puss in Boots!” Kael declares, and I smile. It’s one of his favorites. “Daddy said he’s never seen it,” he adds.
Of course. I should have known.
“All right,” I say. “Let’s do it.”
CHAPTER 61
NERO ZANTHOS
“Shhhhh!” Kael whispers—even though I’m not talking—when he notices me looking at his mother, asleep beside him. “We can’t talk loud anymore, okay, Dad? So we don’t wake Mommy.”
“But won’t she want to wake up to watch the movie?” I whisper back, genuinely worried.
I hadn’t meant to intrude on Nina’s time with Kael. When she said it was her day off, I assumed she was just letting me know she’d be supervising today’s visit. But as soon as I arrived, Kael rushed to tell me everything we’d be doing because it was Mommy’s day off—and that’s when I realized they have a routine for days like this.
Staying was selfish of me. I know that. But I couldn’t help it. Nina keeps as much distance between us as possible. Most of the time, I only see her in the photos scattered around her apartment. And I miss her. Every day, a little more. It feels like, eventually, that feeling will consume me entirely.
