Love Doubles
Papa’s chest was hard, so it wasn’t very comfortable. But he would lift me up high, tickle me, and play with me. I really wish he’d stop rubbing his stubbly bearded face against my cheek sometimes. Still, I could feel how much he thought I was cute, so even when he went scritch, scritch on me, I’d go completely blank and just let Papa do as he pleased.
I was on Papa’s lap, and Ari was on Mama’s lap. Yep, our whole family was close as ever today, too.
Held in Mama’s arms, Ari stretched her hands toward Papa like she was saying, Hold me too.
Papa didn’t hold Ari very much.
Apparently daughters were all soft and squishy, and he was scared he might break her.
So instead, he held out a finger. When Ari gripped Papa’s finger tightly, his face melted.
Yeah, I copied Papa and held out my finger to Ari.
Ari grabbed my finger with her other hand.
Then she smiled brightly and went, “Aa~ ah.”
So cute!! My adorable little sister. I’ll protect Ari.
“Awi, Kai, pwtkt.”
(I’ll protect Ari.)
“Awi, Kai, luv.”
(Kaito loves Ari.)
With everything I had, I told Ari I loved her. I love Papa and Mama too. And Ari.
I was happy, loved by everyone in this life, too.
In my heart, I whispered words that would never reach my parents, my older brother, or my little sister from my previous life.
Right around the time I started dozing off in Papa’s arms, and Ari began drifting off in Mama’s arms…
“Hey, dear. When Kai-kun was born, I loved him so much. I felt happier than I ever thought possible. And then, during that time, I became pregnant with Ari, right?”
“That’s right.”
Downey embraced his beloved wife.
“But you know, I was actually anxious. My heart was already completely filled with love for Kai-kun. I worried that when Ari was born, I’d have to split that love in half and give some of it to her… and that my love for Kai-kun would lessen.”
“But then Ari was born, right? And my love for Kai-kun didn’t decrease at all. New love for Ari sprouted instead. My love, it increased.”
“Amana, I felt the same way. They are our beloved children. Let’s raise them with care.”
“My love, Downey, I love you.”
“Amana, I love you too. Thank you for giving birth to our children. Thank you for loving both me and the children. You’re as beautiful as ever. Hah! What should I do? I don’t want to go to work tomorrow. I just want to love you all day.”
“Oh, Downey… I love you too. But you still have to work hard.”
The night of those two, wrapped in each other’s arms, was far from over!
Before I knew it, Ari and I were fast asleep in our own rooms.
What do you think about this chapter?
