All Your Firsts Without Me

by L.M. Terry

As soon as Kaden walks through the door, I’m jumping into his arms. “I saved you some supper,” I tell him excitedly. “Your favorite, homemade mac and cheese.” He laughs and walks with me in his arms to the kitchen. “Good, I’m starving.” He sets me on my feet before opening the oven to take a big whiff. “Smells wonderful.” “Kaden, you made it,” David says, wheeling himself out to the kitchen to join us. He stops close to his son as Kaden bends down to give him a big bear hug. David wraps his arms around his son tightly, not letting go, a single tear runs down his cheek. Doom creeps up my spine, lodging itself in my throat. “I’m going to go sit out on the beach and give you two time to catch up.” I rub my hand over my throat, urging the fear back down. Kaden stands and turns to look at me. “Don’t leave on my account. I’m here for three days. Plenty of time to catch up with the old man.” He laughs, patting David on the back. David covers for me, his eyes softening at the panic on my face. “She sits on the beach every night, Kade. Let her go.” “The waves are my muse,” I add, giving David a quick peck on the cheek before rushing out. Darkness greets me on the other side of the door.