Team8s and Counting

182. The Space Between Us

Pin gently lifted his chin so he could meet her eyes. "It's not about her wanting attention. Sometimes she needs extra help, but that doesn't mean she doesn't see how amazing you are. You, and all your cousins, are a big part of what keeps her going, even if it's hard to see in the moment."

Dimey was quiet for a long time, then finally spoke. "I guess...I didn't think about it like that. I just got so mad when Dad left me. I wanted him to choose me for once."

Pin nodded, understanding. "It's okay to feel that way, Dimey. Your feelings are valid, and I know your dad feels terrible about how things went today. But he loves you just as much as he loves Thread. That's why he's so upset right now—because he knows how much you matter."

A tear started to form in Dimey's eye, as he went and hugged his mom. "I'm sorry Mommy. I just didn't understand..."

Pin hugged him back. "I learn things about you and Thread every day, and it's important that we all understand each other so that we know how to help each other. Just know that Daddy would have loved to help you with your homework, and because there's only one of him, he couldn't be with both of you at the same time. If you ever need help, you might just have to wait, and if you can't...know that you are so lucky to have so many people who love you. Auntie Gaty was able to help you with your homework when Thread needed daddy, and if she didn't do a good job then you let me know and I can talk to her."

Dimey nodded. "Auntie Gaty helped me a lot actually, she did it differently then Daddy but I learned a lot. Maybe I can ask her for help instead."

Pin nodded. "Yeah, and Daddy will help you with homework whenever he can, after all, that's his job."

Dimey hugged her tighter, feeling the weight of his earlier frustration lift a little. "Thanks, Mom. I think I understand now."

Pin kissed his forehead. "Good. And remember, if you ever feel upset again, it's okay to talk about it. We're always here to listen, okay?"

Dimey nodded, a bit more reassured now. "Okay."

As Pin stood up, she patted Dimey on the back. "Alright, I think it's time to give your dad a chance to talk to you. He feels bad about what happened and really wants to make things right."

Dimey hesitated but then nodded again. "I'll talk to him."

Pin walked back down the hall to the living room, her heart a little lighter now that the tension between Dimey and Coiny seemed to be easing. She gave Coiny a reassuring smile as she entered. "He's ready to talk to you."

Coiny stood up from the couch, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and nerves. "Thanks, Pin."

Pin gave him a quick, encouraging hug before stepping back. "You've got this, I know you do."

Coiny walked slowly down the hallway, a deep breath in his chest. He knocked softly on Dimey's door before entering. Dimey sat up in bed, his eyes red but looking a little less guarded.

"Hey, kiddo," Coiny said gently, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "I'm really sorry about earlier. I never wanted to make you feel like I love you less than Thread, or like I wasn't there for you. I just... had to help her, and I wasn't there when you needed me. But that doesn't mean you aren't important to me."

Dimey looked up at his dad, his voice quiet. "I just wanted you to pick me, Dad. It felt like I wasn't as important as her."

Coiny sighed, his heart aching. "I know, buddy. I never want you to feel that way. I love both of you so much, and sometimes it's hard for me to balance everything. But I'll always do my best to make sure you know how much I care."

Dimey blinked a few times, his expression softening. "I didn't know that Thread's brain isn't like mine, and that she needs help with it. I just got mad because you left me."

Coiny nodded, feeling a weight lift. "I get it. It's hard when you don't understand why something happens. But I'll do my best to be there when you need me, and I'm really proud of you for understanding."

Dimey gave his dad a shy smile, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry too, Dad. I shouldn't have gotten so mad."

Coiny smiled warmly, pulling Dimey into a hug. "It's okay, kiddo. We all get mad sometimes. What matters is that we talk about it and figure it out together."

As they sat there, the atmosphere in the house felt lighter, the weight of the misunderstanding starting to fade. The family would always face challenges, but with love and understanding, they could figure them out together.

....................................................

Damn, I wish I had siblings that were as understanding as Dimey was. My (neurotypical) siblings have always known that I was different from them, and it's become much more noticeable as we've gotten older. I wish they could understand what goes on in my head, but they just think I'm choosing not to make friends at college and just sit on my computer all day. I'm grateful that both of my parents understand me though. And same with you guys to. After writing about Thread and her journey and tying it back to my personal journey, it's amazing to see just how many people understand and relate to it, and for the first time in my life...I don't feel as alone. This is why I made the discord server, and I wish I could talk to some of you all more. It may have taken a decade, but I finally have found my place and purpose in the OSC, even if it was in the most unexpected way.

Anyway, thank you all for reading my little ramble, and I'm sorry that chapter releases have been so sporadic recently. Now that I'm back at school, I should be back to my normal schedule. Thanks for sticking with me through this book, see you all in the next chapter.

- Sunny