Page 54 of Jasha
“Arlo helped me, then I talked to him on the phone. He sent the letter for you to open today. He wanted you to have two days to think about it.”
“I’ve never met anyone who commits himself to loving his family and to me the way you have. I love you.”
“I’m willing to put your happiness above mine because I love you too.”
Jasha couldn’t hold back his tears anymore. He loved his father and Daddy Kaleb. He had to decide what to do. He didn’t want to move to Russia, but that was where his father was, safe and unharmed.
Daddy Kaleb took him in his arms and held on to him for a long time.
“I have plans for just us today. Tonight, we’ll spend it with the others.”
“What are we going to do?”
“How would you like to hike in the snow? We’ll take hot chocolate in a thermos and some snacks.”
“That sounds fun.”
“Get dressed and I’ll prepare our refreshments.” He kissed Jasha and left.
How was Jasha going to function with this pending decision weighing on him like a ton of bricks? He dressed hurriedly and raced downstairs to the kitchen. Daddy Kaleb had two backpacks, each filled with snacks and hot chocolate.
“Are you ready?” Daddy Kaleb asked.
“Yes.”
After they put on their jackets, boots, and scarves, Daddy Kaleb put a red beanie on covering his ears and he had one for Jasha too. They put on the backpacks and left the house, stepping into lightly falling snow.
Jasha pulled his scarf tighter around his neck as he and Daddy Kaleb trudged through the snowy woods. The trees, heavy with fresh snow, stood like silent sentinels around them. The air was crisp, each breath a visible puff of white. Jasha glanced at Daddy Kaleb, who was walking beside him, his cheeks flushed from the cold and his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“This place is magical,” Daddy Kaleb said, his voice breaking the serene silence. “I can’t believe how beautiful it is.”
Jasha smiled, trying to match Daddy Kaleb’s enthusiasm. “It really is. I’m glad we came out here. I love Lake Tahoe.”
They continued their hike, the snow crunching under their boots. Jasha’s mind, however, was not as serene as the landscape. He was deeply worried about his father in Russia and the decision he had to make. But he didn’t want to ruin the moment for Daddy Kaleb.
“We might have some time to go ice skating again,” Daddy Kaleb suggested, his eyes lighting up. “And then we can go Christmas caroling in the evening. It’ll be fun!”
“Yeah, I love to ice skate,” Jasha replied, forcing a smile.
Daddy Kaleb laughed. “Maybe the girls will come skating too.”
Jasha laughed, but his thoughts quickly drifted back to the decision he had to make.
“Daddy Kaleb,” Jasha began hesitantly, “there’s something I need to ask you.”
Kaleb stopped and turned to face him. “What is it, Jasha?”
Jasha took a deep breath. “My father…he’s in Russia, and he’s having a really tough time. I don’t know what to do. If I don’t move to Russia, will I ever see him again?”
Kaleb’s expression softened, and he reached out to take Jasha’s hand. “You can visit your father, Jasha. Family is important. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”
Jasha felt a wave of relief wash over him. “Thanks. That means a lot to me.”
They continued their hike, the silence between them now filled with unspoken understanding. Jasha knew the decision still wouldn’t be easy, but having Kaleb’s support made it a little less daunting. For now, he decided to focus on the present, cherishing the time they had together in the snowy woods.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Kaleb
