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Now that I’m older — and especially since learning everything that I have about my parents’ past — it’s easier for me to understand the why’s behind his behavior.
Even so, it doesn’t excuse anything.
It doesn’t mean I have to forgive him.
Once I’m at the hospital, I make my way upstairs, tired from the emotions of the day and ready to sit with my girl.
I round the corner and see Regina standing in the hallway, tears rolling down her cheeks, and she speaks to one of the doctors. Sander is beside her, his arm around her shoulder as they listen to the doctor.
I freeze, unable to move.
What are they saying?
Did something happen?
I want to know, but I can’t make my legs work. I just stand here, feeling like the walls are about to close in on me.
I stagger to the side, catching Sander’s attention.
He releases Regina and walks toward me, his pace picking up when he sees the signs of another panic attack about to take me over.
“Hey,” he says, grabbing my shoulders tightly.
“What is it?” I ask, breathing hard and waiting for the worst.
“Just breathe, man. She’s okay,” he says, and it’s like cool water rushing over me.
It doesn’t explain why Regina was crying, though.
“What happened?”
He looks me in the eye, and it’s only then that I notice his bright blue ones are shining with tears. A smile pulls at his features, and he hiccups a laugh, grasping my shoulders a little tighter.
“She’s awake.”
Bodhi
I sag with relief.
Keaton is awake. She’s going to be okay.
Sander claps a hand over my shoulder before leading me back toward her room.
“The doctor said there appears to be no lasting damage. She’s still a little out of it, but they say that should resolve itself in time.”
“Can I… I mean we… can she have visitors?” I ask, anxious to see her already. To witness with my own eyes that she’s awake and alright.
“Yes,” he says, and that’s all I need to hear.
I take a step toward her room, only to be stopped by Sander’s outstretched hand. I turn, eyeing him, wondering what reason he could have for stopping me from finally seeing her.
“Regina is with her now,” he says.
Of course. Regina will want to be with her first. Sometimes, when it comes to Keaton, I forget that other people outside the two of us exist.
“No worries, you’ll get your turn in no time,” he offers me a smile. One I find myself easily returning.
I wonder what Keaton would say if she saw us now.
