Page 95 of Cultivating Caden

“Ten, can you feel A’kosh?”

“Yes. His sadness is—”

“No, look below the sadness. Dig deeper.”

Ten’s face scrunched up, even as he squeezed his eyes tighter. “He’s… proud of me.”

“Because you’re taking steps to find a friend, to be a normal boy. At least for a while. Now, what will happen when you turn eighteen?”

The images melted away, then were replaced by others. Ten, tall and thin, all smiles and warmth, holding A’kosh’s hand as energy swirled around them. A’kosh’s features morphed, becoming more humanlike, though not human. Still, he was so handsome as he gazed lovingly at Ten.

“What are you doing now?” Caden asked.

“We’re joining souls,” Ten whispered. “And I… love him. I know what it means to love someone. A’kosh is part of my heart.”

“He always will be. Even if the bond isn’t there right now, A’kosh is. You won’t ever lose him. Let him have this, at least for a little while. He wants to watch you grow up and be happy. That’s what will make him happy. Do you understand?”

The pictures faded as Ten blew out a breath and opened his eyes. There was still sadness there. “Yes, Poppa, I understand.”

Caden could tell Ten still didn’t like it, and he’d no doubt still be angry and hurt for a while, but Caden was sure that Ten would come through it stronger.

They all would.

* * *

As the day became night,A’kosh’s people brought out food and drink to celebrate Caden. The favorite, for Caden at least, had been succulent roots that were covered in a zesty sauce, and a thick mead like drink. He had to admit, he was quite tipsy when Quade came up from behind and kissed his neck.

“So proud of you, you know. You were willing to give up everything for us.”

“I love you guys,” Caden gushed, leaning heavily on Quade.

“We love you too. When we get home, I’m going to come up with a bunch of new positions for us to try.”

And with a tingle in his groin that wouldn’t stop, Caden made one final request of the tree.

Send us home.