Page 14 of Broken Chorus

“Touching thumbs is called a stamp. That means it can never be broken,” Aaron explained.

“Why the fuck didn’t I call you earlier?”

“I don’t know, why didn’t you?”

Hawk left that question unanswered because it was way too difficult, and instead, decided to take advantage of this side of Aaron he’d never noticed before.

“Do you know how Patrick and SpongeBob can be in danger of drowning when they live at the bottom of the ocean?” Hawk blurted.

“Well yeah,” Aaron said.

Hawk could hear theduhin his voice but appreciated him not saying it.

“Okay, would you care to share?” Hawk asked as he crept back up the hall, grateful to see Dani still in front of the television with the blanket wrapped around her.

“Dude, it’s simple, they live on the bottom of the sea and walk everywhere, why do you think SpongeBob tries so hard to get his driver’s license. He’s a sponge. Sponges don’t swim and I don’t think starfish do either. Every time I’ve ever seen one in a tank, it was creeping across the sand or crawling up the glass. They’ve got these tiny feet on their undersides with suckers on the tips and they kind of cling and creep. If I remember right the process is called locomotion, but don’t quote me on that.”

“Are you fuckin’ kidding me?” Hawk grumbled.

“No, I, it’s what I remember from checking out exhibits at all those aquariums you gave me shit about visiting.”

“Because I still don’t understand how the fuck you can sit there and be inspired by fish. Now can you please explain whatever the fuck that was about locomotion to Dani,” Hark begged. “’Cause I kinda told her that cartoons can do anything they want because they aren’t real.”

“Duuuuuude no! You cannot just tell a kid that! What the hell man?”

“I didn’t have an answer for her…”

“Then say that,” Aaron blurted. “But don’t ruin the magic.”

“Yeah, I’ve kinda been fucking up all morning. Even tried to sit her down in front of the washer so she could see Mr. Whiskers through the window and know that he was okay.”

“Fuckin’ ‘ell Hawk!” Aaron screeched. “Put my niece on the phone.”

“Yeah, I guess I’d better,” Hawk said as he carried the phone to Dani, who lit up like a firecracker the moment she heard Aaron’s voice.

With his phone in her hands, all he could do was head back to the kitchen and start prepping the waffle bar while Aaron undid the mess he’d made until all he could hear from the living room was Dani laughing again, Aaron’s voice rumbling through the speaker as he laughed along with her.

Chapter 4

Of soft songs and little kicking feet

The first breath of fresh air after the long car ride to Hawk’s place left Aaron leaning against the bumper of his rented SUV, half doubled over and coughing because his lungs weren’t used to anything this pure. There were more stars out here too, a ring of towering treetops creating a fringed frame for this slice of sky. Peaceful, it was beautiful in a way the city never was. A fireflyflitted past, its glowing light a soft reminder of his childhood days. Inhaling deeply, Aaron closed his eyes and sent up a silent plea that someday, he’d remember only those good moments, and not all the shitty things that haunted him.

Shrill wails broke the silence of the night, and Aaron jumped, shocked into action. They grew louder as he hurried to the door, nearly drowning out the chime of the bell when he rang it. The sight that greeted Aaron when Hawk finally answered was something that had to be seen to be believed. A glob of something that resembled orange mashed potatoes clung to the gray t-shirt Hawk wore, several other stains forming an impressive collection on the worn cloth. There was something caught in his hair that looked an awful lot like a chunk of green bean, and a juice stain in the shape of a tiny handprint marred the skin on the right side of his neck. The toddler kicking and rocking against Hawk’s shoulder brought back memories of Loony Tunes cartoons and the Tasmanian Devil. All that was missing was froth and gnashing teeth.

“Sorry,” Hawk shouted over the tantrum. “Dani is having a complete meltdown tonight. Nothing I say, do, or attempt to feed her has done anything but piss her off more. I’m at my wit’s end here.”

“Then it’s a good thing uncle Aaron is here for the weekend,” Aaron replied, reaching for Dani.

Hawk’s eyes went wide. “You can’t seriously want to take her right now.”

Aaron just kept his arms out, waiting for Hawk to make up his mind. “Why not? Looks like you need a break.”

“It’s your funeral,” Hawk remarked, passing over the hollering bundle of pigtails and bad temper.

She managed to kick Aaron a couple times before he got one arm behind her knees, holding her tight enough to ensure shedidn’t flail out of his arms and onto the hardwood floor. Gently, he rocked side to side, hoping to sooth her.

“Now, what’s got you so riled up tonight princess?”

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