Page 136 of Five Summers

“And don’t forget to get one of a koala. I like koala’s too.”

“I promise I will if I get the chance. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get some time off to see them.”

In the background, I hear music—a catchy tune, like the opening credits of a kids’ television show.

“Is that Bluey I can hear in the background?”’

“Yeah. Nurse Sally put it on. I might go to watch it, Mommy.”

“Okay. Make sure you’re careful with your arm when Grandma takes you home.”

“Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, sweetie. I love you.”

“I love you too, Mommy.”

Poppy brushes away a tear that's rolling down her cheek. All I want to do is rush in there and hold her and tell her everything will be alright.

“He’s doing well,” Nurse Sally says, coming onto the call. “You don’t have to worry. We’ll take good care of him.”

"I'm so grateful for all you've done," Poppy says, her voice filled with thanks.

“You’re welcome,” Nurse Sally replies before ending the call.

Poppy lets out a long sigh, her gaze falls on the floor in front.

Entering the room, I stretch my body as if I have just gotten out of my bunk bed. I notice her quickly wiping her eyes before she looks at me.

“Xander,” she says. “I know what you did for me, and I want to-”

“It’s alright, Princess.” I interrupt, walking to the refrigerator. “Do you want some water?”

“Please,” she responds.

Grabbing two bottles, I make my way over and hand her one, settling down on the smaller couch opposite her.

"I've been so worried since my mom called," she admits, her voice shaking. All at once, she bursts into tears, like she's been holding it in.

I don't even think twice. I throw away the unopened water bottle and rush over to her, hugging her tightly while she lets it all out. As I bring her onto my lap, I can’t help but run my fingers through her silky soft hair. She leans into me, resting the side of her face against my chest. All I want is to make everything right for her.

“It’s okay, Princess,” I reassure her, running my hand down over her back. Seeing her so upset causes me unbearable pain. “He’ll be okay. I’ll text Nurse Sally soon, to see if she’ll let you know when he leaves the hospital so you can talk to him.”

“Thank you,” she says, pulling back to look at me. I lift my hand and gently wipe the tears from her cheeks.

“Xander, I don’t know what to say... You...” As she pauses, her eyes fixate on my face, carefully studying every intricate detail.

Nervously, I swallow, feeling the weight of the moment.

My stomach flutters when her fingers trail up the side of my neck. I’m craving her so badly, it’s causing a surge of lust to pulsate in my groin. I know she feels every inch thickening, as my growing arousal would be poking her in her ass by now. The ache in my balls intensifies, craving the friction that only she can provide. My damn brain tells me to fuck her right here right now, but I know that acting on it would only push her away.

I don't want that, especially now that she's finally starting to trust and see the real me. I need that trust. So instead, I fight against every instinct that screams at me to strip her naked and possess every inch of her body to satisfy my own selfish desires.

Shifting positions, I gently lay us down on the couch, turning her so her back is pressed against my chest, spooning her in a way that I know will bring her comfort in this moment. I want to soothe her emotions, which have been on a rollercoaster ride over the past few hours. I resist the temptation to give in to my own needs, seeking my own release. But next time, I can’t promise I’ll be as patient.

As we lie here, she remains silent, letting me bury my face in the soft curve of her neck. I inhale her scent, relishing the familiarity that I’ve missed so much. I've missed the way we used to effortlessly connect with each other. And now, my head is all messed up with feelings and memories.

The bus moves along the road, its constant hum providing a soothing backdrop as we lay together. The rhythm of her pulse lulls me to sleep as my eyelids grow heavy.

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