Page 79 of Grumpy Sunshine

As I gathered up the things I would need to give the little boy a bath, I made a mental note to offer the same services to the other man once I was done.

Dru found me as I’d gathered up everything I’d need, coming up with a handful of items.

“I got the kit they use when they have a still birth,” Dru said softly.“When you’re done with this, there’s a woman in the next room…”

“I already planned on going there next,” I said softly.

Dru patted my hand.“Thanks, friend.”

Gathering my courage, I straightened my spine and headed back into the little boy’s room.

Apollo was still there by himself, staring at the little boy’s hand in his.

I got the water warm, then filled up the small tub and added some soap.

Pulling the rolling table with me, I dunked the washcloths and started cleaning the boy up.

“What’s his name?”I asked quietly.

“Tavi.”He swallowed hard.“Octavian.”

“I love that name,” I said softly.“Tell me about him?”

So I listened and cleaned, letting Apollo talk about how great his son was.

How much life had been in him.

How he’d suffered, and he’d thought he was finally home with him.

How they’d spend forever making up for the time they’d lost together.

“What’s that?”Apollo asked.

I held up a card and some ink.

“One of our nurses, Dru, thought you might like the memento,” she said.“The babies that are born get their hands and feet prints.”

“Yeah,” Apollo croaked.“I think I’d like that.”

He helped me stamp his feet and his hands.

Still so small.

So much life left to live, cut short by one stupid kid who had no clue of the destruction he’d caused.

“What would you do?”he asked.

My eyes lifted to Apollo’s.

He was still crying.

His watery blue eyes looked so devastated that it was hard to meet his gaze.

But I forced myself to hold it anyway.

“I’m pretty biased,” I said softly.

“Why?”

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