Page 37 of Shattered

Navi: Hey. Adi is extra tired today and is going to go to bed early, but he wants to see you first. Do you want to video chat with him now to say goodnight?

My eyes lift to look at the open bathroom door in front of me and then at my dirty hands. I inwardly sigh before I type out my reply. Then I go sit in the chair by the fish tank and angle my phone to show it in the background. A second later, it rings with a video call.

My boy’s cute little face fills the screen, and all my previous plans no longer matter. His big eyes are a deep brown, just like Navi’s, but everything else, including his lighter skin, is all me. Those months before he was born were some of the worst in my life. But the moment I held him in my arms for the first time, my heart expanded, and I knew I wanted to give him all the love and attention I always craved.

Things weren’t perfect, and there were a lot of hard days while learning to be a parent on my own. Thankfully, Navi was patient and understanding while I was a stressed-out asshole.

“Hey, buddy,” I say to the screen, my cheeks pulling into a smile.

“Daddy! Daddy, I see the fishies.”

I angle my phone a little more toward the fish tank so he can see them better. He’s loved watching fish swim around since he was a baby when he first saw them at his doctor’s office.

“Yeah. There’re your fishies. Were you a good boy for Mommy today?”

He’s all smiles, but I can see the sleepiness in his eyes. I’m right there with you, buddy.

“Yes. I’m three.” He tries to show me three fingers, but a fourth one slips in there with them. He’s been three for a few months now, but he still likes randomly telling everyone how old he is.

“You are. And it’s time for three-year-olds to go to bed now.”

His smile immediately drops, and his little mouth twists into a pout. “No. I no want to sleep.”

“Adi,” I say, my voice stern. The pout remains while he looks at me through the phone. “You need your sleep, buddy. I’ll be going to bed soon, too. And so will Mommy.”

“I want Daddy.”

My heart tugs in my chest. Unfortunately, that’s the downside of our arrangement—not being able to see each other whenever we like. He stays with Navi throughout the week in Plainfield, and then he comes to stay with me in Chicago on the weekends.

“I’ll be seeing you in a couple of days, okay? Two more sleeps.”

“Fishies.”

“You’ll see them in two more sleeps as well.”

“Okay,” he finally says in the cutest but saddest voice, his little eyebrows drawn together.

“Good night. I love you.”

“I love you,” he repeats, making my heart double.

The screen is jostled around a little before Navi’s face appears. “Hey. Long day? You look a little tired.”

I run a hand through my hair, stretching out my neck. “Yeah, I just walked through the door when you messaged.”

“Oh, shit, sorry. You should have said something. I wouldn’t have got him to Facetime with you.”

“It’s okay,” I tell her, shaking my head. “I’ll never turn down talking to him.”

Honestly, it’s the highlight of my days.

Every inch of her face softens. “You’re a good dad.” I shrug in response, getting to my feet. “Oh, I wanted to check with you. I’m planning on visiting my friend, Piper, near San Francisco for a few days at the end of next month. Do you mind if I take Adi with me? It would be on a weekend.” She chews on her bottom lip, her eyes pleading.

The urge to tell her no is strong. I would rather her leave him here with me, and she goes with her boyfriend, Ethan, because I know he’ll be going as well. I actually have no problem with the guy; in fact, I quite like him. But I like spending time with my boy, and weekends are all I get unless I have time off.

I want to say no, but I won’t. If the roles were reversed, I know she’d be accommodating.

“No, that’s okay. I’m sure you guys will have fun.” Walking into my bedroom, I grab some clothes out of my drawers.

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