Ardal “Are you alright?”  “I’m fine,” I say, trying to reassure Jack - and myself.  But I’m really not. The wheels in my head have been spinning since Jack took me up to his loft apartment last night, and spiraled to a dizzying pace with him this morning. Why can’t I just get Kadeem out of my mind?  Jack drops me off at my home, and since I'm running late for work (Saturday is our busiest day of the week), I hastily climb into my car in last night’s clothes.  There's no way I can chance going inside without adding on at least fifteen minutes of questions and hugs from the quints, even with Hannah attempting to corral them for me. “IDGAF if anyone notices,” I text Julia as I pull up.  By “anyone,” of course I mean Kadeem, but I don’t tell her. I dash inside, planning to go straight to the locker room to shower and change. If the stars align, I won’t be late for the 10AM

Kadeem “I don’t want to.” Mateo’s arms were crossed over his chest, reminding Kadeem of a willful child. “Come on,” Kadeem said, gruffly, before adding in a lighter tone, "It's just a quick workout session."Kadeem’s mood had been a roller coaster lately. He needed an outlet. Mateo was the unwilling sparring partner today. Mateo eyed Kadeem skeptically. "Fine. But if I break a nail, it's on you."Kadeem chuckled, clapping Mateo on the back as they made their way towards the gym. The power had been restored overnight and the gym was empty today, closed for the Sunday rest. The only sound echoing through the cavernous room was the hum of the overhead lights.Kadeem led Mateo towards the boxing area, where a large ring stood proudly in the center. Around it were several punching bags suspended from the ceiling, swaying gently with anticipation. The smell of leather and effort hung heavily in the air."Alright, Mateo," Kadeem said, wrapping his hands with tape before slipping on a pai

Ardal“Mom. Mommy?”  I blink and look down. I realize Lottie’s been tugging on my shirt, trying to get my attention for at least a full minute while I stare out into space.  “Sorry, girly.” I crouch down to meet her eyes.  “I’ve got a lot on my mind today.”  It’s been a day since Erbao’s first dialysis treatment and the weight of it is intense. I could barely pull myself out of bed today, and I’m stumbling through this morning with the kids, but I’m not really here.  Lottie puts her hand on her hip. “I was trying,” she says, huffily, “To ask you a question.”  I tuck a stand of her dark hair behind her ear.  “What’s your question?”  Her eyes get big, brimming with excitement. “Can I go with you to work? I want to go to the gym, too.  “ Look! I have my gym outfit on. See?”  She spins around so I can appre

Ardal He’s looking at me in a way that makes me think he’s waiting for me to say something in particular. It’s not the first time in this conversation that I’m wondering what we’re really talking about - there’s a depth to it that’s only thinly veiled.  “It’s Erbao,” I say, feeling myself crumple as I do.  Kadeem’s face shifts rapidly to an expression of startled fear.  “He was born with kidney problems, but things are worse now. He’s gone into renal failure and had to start dialysis.”  Kadeem looks sick to his stomach. “I’m so sorry,” he says.  I nod grimly. “He’s doing okay. There’s a good chance he’ll be approved for an implant. As his mom, I’ll be a likely match, and then we can put this nightmare behind us.”  Kadeem gulps hard. “You’re planning on donating your kidney?”  “Of course, I am,” I say, instantly alight with anger.  

Ardal"Alright, Erbao," I whisper as I hold his hand, the dialysis machine humming beside us. The scent of sterilized medical equipment fills my nose, and I find myself gripping the edge of his bed to steady my trembling hands. "You're doing great, sweetheart." "Thanks, Mommy," Erbao replies weakly, his brave smile not quite reaching his tired eyes. His pale complexion seems even more pronounced against the stark white hospital sheets. I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. I know I need to be strong for my son, but the sight of him connected to the medical devices sends a cold chill down my spine. My heart aches for the innocence that has been stolen from him at such a young age. "Hey there," Jack says softly, entering the room with a warm smile, his blond hair tousled from a long day at work. "How are you two holding up?" "Good," Erbao chirps, his voice stronger than before. He gives Jack a little wave, attemptin