Chapter Text
(Story Idea)
DAY 38:
While my hand is writing this, my son is in my lap.
It’s the first time in years since he hugged me. Currently my hand is cradling his head, which I don’t dare to move.
Brad found out about physical touch today. It’s like how it is back home. However, now we have ‘nerves’ which isn’t just a figure of speech. We can feel physical things to higher intensities.
And Brad has taken that to his advantage. All day he never wanted to leave my side. Not for one second.
Tomorrow’s another day in this strange world.
But me and Brad will figure it out.
Like we always have.
—
I sneak my jornal onto the coffee table, slipping between my child’s vines to not disturb him.
The apartment is only lit by city lights outside, casting a faint glow on the living room.
My hand runs through Brad’s white hair.
Real.
Alive.
Human.
My fingers could touch every strand, feel them wrap around my hand.
Nothing a video-game could ever replicate.
Before I can stop myself, an old forgotten tune escapes my lips.
A tune she used to hum during hard days. When the darkness consumed all light.
Brad stirs.
For a moment, I find myself hesitating.
Had I woken him up?
The boy’s hand grabs my wrist tightly, mumbling:
“Don’t…don’t go.”
At those words, I stiffen.
“Son…”
Of course he didn’t want me to go. He never did. And I…
A deep breath. That’s what I need right now.
In…and out…
I hold my little boy closer.
“Shhhh…It’ll be okay…”
My voice is on the verge of shattering as I try to continue the melody.
Then another voice follows.
I look down to see Brad humming along with closed eyes. His voice which used to be laced with static, was clear now.
More…
More Brad.
I place my lips gently on his forehead.
“I’ll make up for everything, son…I promise…”