𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐬𝐢𝐱

After helping me place the bracelet on and thanking him we moved on to doing his gifts.

He opened the first two smaller gifts which were a new Apple Watch, some games he talked about for his game system, and then came the bigger gift.

I watched nervously as he undid the wrapped bow that sat on the blue velvety box and sat it beside him. He opened the box and looked inside, he continued to stare at the gift inside in silence. It seemed like Zymeir froze once his eyes fell upon it.

I slightly shifted in the uncomfortable silence trying to make it comfortable but I couldn't. Turning I looked at my dad with a sad face. Did I do someone wrong? Does he dislike it?

Movement beside me caused me to look back at him. He gently removed Moriah from his lap. Before I could open my mouth to ask the question I dreaded to ask, I was wrapped in his arms being squeezed tightly. I felt my shoulder become wet, my eyebrow went ajar as it all hit me "Zym-"

"Just let me hold you." He croaked with a whisper "That picture brought me back to a place I haven't thought about in a long time. I love it baby." He whispered quietly to me, still crying.

The gift I purchased for him was a custom chain that I had a picture of Zymeir and his grandfather at the basketball court. I knew he loved and missed his granddad deeply so I decided to give him. something to remind him that he would always be there with him.

-

"Yup, and I got three LOL Dolls and-and one even came with a little sister!" Arijah smiled through the phone as she and Moe went back and forth showing their gifts.

Moe smiled back at her before sliding off the couch clutching my phone. He walked over to the part of the living room that was full of all his gifts. "Riah you reallyy love cars. Kinda like how I love dolls."

"Yes,"

I stood off the couch and walked to the kitchen. Zymeir and sitting at the table looking at something on his computer. Creeping behind him I wrapped my arms around his neck loosely "You're still working?"

I heard him take a deep breath before he answered. "Yea, shits annoying. Can't even relax on the holidays."

I frowned, pressing my lips behind his ear, he shivered letting me know I touched his hot spot. "What are you working on?"

"Bills now, after this I'm done though."

"Okay."

I left my hands lingering for a little while watching him work. Zymeir palmed my hand, lifting it to examine "Yea, that look good on yo wrist. The other pieces are at home."

"Other pieces?" My eyes bugged.

"Yea, the earrings and necklace." He nodded "it was like a lil' collection."

I softly closed my eyes, thinking about the love of my life. "Thank you, baby."

"Momma!"

Moriah pulled me out of my transe from the slightly loud calling. His small feet were heard hitting the floor, soon I felt him on my thigh. I looked down to see him no longer on the phone Arijah. "Are you done with your phone call?"

He nodded. I gently grabbed the phone and placed it on the table. I lifted him in my arms squeezing lightly. Proceeding the gesture I placed kisses all over his face "Mommy loves youu. My sweet boy."

He remanded quiet, only snuggling into me. He didn't talk too much today so I kept him close. "Wanna play with more toys?" I asked, soothingly rubbing my hand over his puffy hair. Moe shook his head 'No'. Making me sigh, he'd played for hours this morning but after one of the toy cars beeped loudly he was turned off of playing. "Okay." Kissing his forehead again I began to think about ways to cheer him up "You wanna go swimming?" He didn't respond as his eyes traveled around the kitchen.