Page 105 of Rage

The kids giggle at his antics but dutifully begin picking up toys and dress-up clothes.I’m struck once again by how far Kai has come.Six months ago, he would have shut down at even the gentlest instruction.Now he works alongside his sister, carefully placing teacups back on their shelf.

As Mason supervises the cleanup, I head downstairs to start dinner.The kitchen is my domain for now, a place where I can let my mind wander as my hands work automatically.Tonight’s menu is simple: grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and rice.Comfort food for our little family.

I’m just pulling the vegetables out of the oven when I hear the pitter-patter of small feet on the stairs.Kai appears in the doorway, his hair adorably mussed and his shirt on backward from changing out of his “armor.”

“Can I help?”he asks softly, hovering uncertainly at the edge of the kitchen.

My heart swells at his offer.“Of course, sweetheart,” I say warmly.“Why don’t you help me set the table?”

Together, we lay out plates and utensils, Kai carefully counting to make sure everyone has a full set.As he places the last fork, he pauses, looking up at me with those soulful hazel eyes.

“Mommy?”he starts.“Is this… is this forever?”

I kneel down, bringing myself to his eye level.“What do you mean, honey?”

Kai fidgets with the hem of his shirt, avoiding my gaze.“This,” he gestures vaguely around the kitchen.“Being here.With you and Daddy and Kensleigh.Is it forever?”

The vulnerability in his voice breaks my heart.I gather him into my arms, holding him close.“Yes, Kai,” I say firmly.“This is forever.You’re our son, and we love you so, so much.Nothing will ever change that.”

He clings to me tightly, his small body trembling.I rub soothing circles on his back, murmuring reassurances.

As I hold Kai, I feel the tension slowly leave his body.He pulls back slightly, looking up at me with a mix of hope and lingering uncertainty.

“Even if I make mistakes?”he asks in a whisper.

I cup his face gently in my hands.“Even then,” I assure him.“Everyone makes mistakes, sweetheart.That doesn’t change how much we love you.”

A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.“Okay,” he says, nodding as if confirming it to himself.

Just then, we hear Kensleigh’s exuberant voice from the stairs.“I smell chicken!”she announces, bounding into the kitchen with Mason close behind.

“Perfect timing,” I say, rising to my feet and ruffling Kai’s hair affectionately.“Dinner’s ready.”

As we settle around the table, passing dishes and filling plates, I catch Mason’s eye.He gives me a questioning look, noticing Kai’s slightly red-rimmed eyes.I shake my head slightly, mouthing “Later” when the kids aren’t looking.

Conversation flows easily over dinner, Kensleigh regaling us with tales of her imaginary kingdom while Kai listens intently, occasionally adding his own quiet observations.It’s a far cry from the tense, silent meals of those first few weeks after the adoption.

After dinner, we pile onto the couch for our promised movie night.Kai snuggles into my side, his small hand finding mine in the darkness as the opening credits roll.On my other side, Kensleigh sprawls across both Mason and me, her legs dangling over the armrest.

As the familiar animated characters dance across the screen, I feel a deep sense of contentment wash over me.

I squeeze Kai’s hand gently, and he looks up at me with a sleepy smile.No words are needed; the love and trust in his eyes say everything.

The movie progresses, and I find myself only half watching, my attention drawn instead to the quiet breaths of my family around me.Kai’s grip on my hand gradually loosens as he drifts off to sleep, his head resting heavily against my arm.Kensleigh, despite her earlier energy, isn’t far behind, her eyelids drooping as she fights to stay awake.

Mason’s gaze meets mine, a soft smile playing on his lips.He mouths, “I love you,” and I feel a rush of warmth in my chest.This man, who has stood by my side through every twist and turn of our journey to build this family, never ceases to amaze me with his strength and compassion.

“And I love you too.So much.We’ve made a beautiful life together.”He reaches over the kids to kiss me softly, and I can feel the way he loves me in that kiss.

“We have, baby.”His voice is soft, not wanting to wake the kids.“I will protect it until my dying breath.”

The end.<3

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