A Father's Love

After two days in the Psychiatric ward, Nar has been cleared for release. As per the suggestion of his family, Nar, and Cookie will be staying with Betty, and Kisho for the foreseeable future. At least, until Nar feels he's ready to live on his own again. Cookie is excited to get to spend so much time with her grandparents, and Nar is relieved to know they'll be there to look after her if he-... If he needs them to. Dinner has just finished up. After everyone helps clean the table, and the dishes, Betty takes Cookie upstairs for her before-bed bath. In the living room, Nar, and his father sit down on the couch to pick a movie to watch before bed. As Kisho flips through the different options, he can't help but feel a twinge of worry in his heart. Nar has been cleared for release by the hospital staff, but he's been... off... ever since they got home. Kisho can't tell if it's because Nar hasn't come off of the antidepressants they gave him at the hospital, or if there's some other reason. He just isn't quite acting himself. Usually, when Nar eats, he eats quickly. When he's at the dinner table, he likes to talk, and make jokes. Tonight, Nar just sat there, smiling idly, and only speaking when spoken to. On top of that, he seemed to forget his food was there half the time. Only taking bites when he seemed to remember his food was there.  Kisho is about to ask his son if he's feeling okay, when Nar speaks up first. "Dad? Can I talk to you about something?" The tone of his voice worries Kisho. He's not heard his son like this before. "Of course, Nar. You are free to speak your mind as you wish." Now, Nar has his father's undivided attention. There's a look in Nar's eye. A look of... defeat. "Dad." Nar begins. His eyes beginning to mist, and his voice cracking slightly. "I-... I don't know if I can do this." Kisho's heart shatters, as his son seems to break down right in front of him. "I don't think I'm strong enough. I thought I could handle it if I just did what the psychiatrists said, but..." Tears stream down Nar's cheeks. Half a second later, they stain Kisho's shirt, as he quickly pulls his son into a tight embrace. "This is forever." Nar barely manages to get the words out. He sniffles, and his head droops slightly. "My son." Kisho's voice is soft, and calm. "You are strong. Stronger than you could ever know." He strokes the back of his son's head, letting Nar gasp a few times before continuing. "But, we cannot be strong all the time. We have moments of weakness, and sometimes, we break. Sometimes, we feel as though there is no light left. It is okay to hurt, and it is okay to feel hopeless." "We are like bone. We are strong, but sometimes, we break. If we do not heal properly, we may not be the same afterwards. But, if we nurture ourselves, and take the time to heal properly, we grow back stronger. Much like bone, we need support to heal properly. You are not alone. When you break, we will be here to help you heal. You don't need to hide your pain from the world." Nar does not respond. For what feels like an eternity, Nar sits in his father's arms. Shedding tears, and gasping sobs into his chest. When the sobs finally stop, Nar breaks the embrace. Eyes red, and puffy, he gives his father a somber smile. "Thanks, dad... Sorry for making a mess of your shirt." Kisho places a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Let your tears be washed away... By the washing machine." The two share a quiet laugh, and suddenly, the air doesn't seem as heavy. Nar wipes snot from his nose. "I think I'm going to go to bed early. I don't want Cookie to see me like this." Kisho's hand does not leave his shoulder. "It is important that Cookie sees you like this. Just as you care for her, she cares for you. You need not hide your pain from her." Nar seems to think about his father's words for a moment. "Plus. Hugs always make things better." At this, Nar gives a small nod, and a weak smile. "Yeah. You're right." After Cookie's bath is done, Betty brings her down in her pajamas for some cuddle time with her father, and a movie before bed.  That night, Nar manages a full, uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep.