Page 8 of I Can't Bear It

“Yeah.”

“And are you proud of even the smallest thing he does and want to cheer him on like the loudest cheerleader?”

“Pretty much.”

“Then I would like to welcome you to parenthood. Some say it’s an eighteen-year sentence, but I have found it to be for life. It is the best and scariest time of your life simultaneously. And if you think you are doing something wrong, you probably are doing something right because the ones doing the worst have no clue or don’t care.” Kenton had six young ones, so I trusted he knew what he was discussing.

“How are my nieces and nephews?”

“They are fine. Missing Uncle Karl and begging me to make your visit. When will we be meeting the new family?”

“Soon, I hope. I must work some things out in case first. But soon.”

“Good. I miss my baby brother.”

“Miss you too, big brother.”

Disconnecting the call, I relaxed back on the couch.

“What are you smiling about?” Peter plopped down on the couch beside me and laid his head on my shoulder. “Why do I feel more exhausted after the nap?”

“Are you sure you aren’t coming down with something?” I placed my hand on his forehead, checking for a fever. “Perhaps we should see the doctor at the training center this week.”

“If I don’t feel better tomorrow, I will. I promise.” Peter grabbed my hand and interlaced our fingers.

“I was just speaking with my brother.” I checked my phone to see if the pizza was almost there. “I ordered dinner, and it should be here in about ten minutes.”

“Good. I’m starving. How’s your brother?”

“He’s doing well. He and the kids miss me and can’t wait to meet you and Georgi.”

“I know. I wish we could do that soon.”

“We will.” I took a deep breath and decided to tell Peter about what was bothering me. “Georgi said he wants to stay here forever. He loves the training center and his friends.”

“I know. I keep telling him we can’t know the future.” Peter sighed. “What did you say?”

“Basically, the same. But then he got super quiet and said he wanted to go color alone in his room before dinner.”

“He does that. It gives him time to reflect on his feelings and thoughts. It’s how he processes. If he needs us, he will find us. If I push myself on him during those times, he strikes out or goes into himself. So, I learned to let him go get the alone time he needs, and if he needs to talk more about a situation afterward, we can readdress it after he’s had that time.”

“Makes sense. I was afraid I broke him. That’s why I texted my brother.”

“Half the time, you can feel like that, but then other times, you see how brightly they shine, and you know it’s partly because you support them the way you do so they won’t go dim.”

“I just want to be a good stepfather.” I leaned back and closed my eyes, feeling a bit emotional.

“And you are, trust me.”

Ding Dong.

“Pizza time.” I stood and walked toward the door. “That was the quickest thirty minutes.”

“Do you need help bringing the food in?” Karl followed and stood by as I opened the door.

I took the pizza boxes and handed them to him before taking the wings and soda bottles from the trainee delivering our food. “Thanks. I put the tip on the card. Have a great night.”

“I haven’t eaten from this place before.” Karl set the boxes on the kitchen counter and pulled out three plates. “Did the security gate give them a hard time?”

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