Page 40 of Kiren

“It really is the most beautiful time of the year,” I murmured.

“Your decorations are my favorite, Daddy.” Kiren rocked back and forth in his seat.

The driveway circled to the front of a huge, Mediterranean style home with dormer windows on the roof, all outlined in lights. “Where should I park?”

“Right here in front is fine.”

Colorful lights outlined the porch and front door. I parked and said, “Hold on, baby. I’ll open your door for you.”

“I love that you do that for me, Daddy.”

I got out and ran around the car, helping Kiren unfasten his seatbelt. He was perfectly capable of all of it, but I liked doing all the things for him and he liked letting me.

I took Kiren’s hand in my own and we walked up the porch steps.

Kiren’s free hand reached out to an electronic pad on the door. He punched in a code and the door opened.

“No knocking or ringing first?”

“I’m free to come and go here.”

It felt weird to walk in unannounced. I squeezed Kiren’s hand as we walked through a huge foyer that led to a wide hall.

“Mom! Dad!” Kiren called. “We’re here.”

We both began taking off our coats. I hung mine by Kiren’s on fancy gold hooks by the door.

“Kiren?” A man came rushing toward us. He looked young. The only thing that gave away his age was his salt and pepper hair.

“Hi, Dad.”

The man didn’t stop until he was right in front of Kiren. He opened his arms and took him into a big hug. I noticed he did not put his hands on Kiren’s back. The hug was more air than substance.

Again, questions formed. Obviously, Kiren had scarring. Was it still painful? What had caused it?

“Kiren, it’s so good to see you. You don’t come over often enough.”

“Busy working,” Kiren quipped.

Just then, a woman rushed down the stairs to the right of us. “Kiren. You’re here. Mike, why didn’t you tell me they’d arrived?”

“They only just walked in.”

The woman hurried to Kiren and greeted him in the same way his father had, careful not to hug too tight. She kissed him once on each cheek. “It’s so good to see you.”

Finally, the three of them turned to look at me.

Kiren stepped forward. “Mom. Dad. I’d like you to meet my friend Max. Max, this is my father Mike and my mother Angie.”

Both parents eagerly shook my hand. “A pleasure.” They spoke almost simultaneously.

“We’ve heard all good things about you,” Mike said.

Kiren blushed, leaned toward me, and said, “I just told them you were nice. I’ve barely had time to say anything about you.”

Angie said, “You texted that he’s kind and nice and works in our company but in a different department from you.”

Mike added, laughing, “That’s all good things.”

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