Page 24 of Dreams Do Come True

“That’s good, starting your own things.”

“I’m worried, though.” Before I can say more, it’s our turn.

“Morning, sir, what can I get you?” the barista asks.

“Two large white coffees, one large black coffee. Justin?”

“A regular latte, please.”

“Four lemon muffins,” I look at Justin, “unless you want a different one?”

“Nope, lemon is good, thanks.”

“All in separate bags, please, and three bacon rolls, all in separate bags.”

“So that’s two large white coffees, a large black coffee, a regular latte, four lemon muffins and three bacon rolls, all the food in separate bags,” the barista checks.

“Perfect, thanks,” I say, taking my wallet out and paying.

“Here you go,” the barista hands me a wooden number. “We’ll call your number when your order is ready.”

“Thanks,” I say, moving away.

We’re stood off to one side.

“What has you worried?” Justin asks, going back to our conversation.

“Any lingering trauma relating to the accident. I mean, Lyric saw his dad die and his mum get seriously hurt. We have noidea how that will affect him. Should we talk to him about the accident or find a child counsellor?”

“Again, that’s a tough one. For the first six months, I’ll come by every two weeks to check on you all, which is standard procedure. Let’s monitor Lyric and see how he gets on, and if he needs further help, we can find some. As for talking to him about the accident, just ask him, and see what happens. It’s not going to be all sunshine and roses, but I know you and Kean will cope. You have a large family and several children; let everyone help. The main thing is to show Lyric that he’s safe and loved.”

Our number is called and we collect all the bags and the four cup drink carrier with our drinks and leave the coffee shop, walking towards the lifts.

“He’ll certainly be safe and loved,” I reply.

Justin nods. “Of that I have no doubt.”

We reach our room and hand out food and drinks.

“I need to phone Daniel. I’ll be back in a minute,” I say to everyone.

I walk out of the children’s ward and into the main corridor. I walk to a large window at the end of the hallway and check the time. Just after half eight. It feels so much later.

I pull up Daniel’s number and wait for him to answer.

“Morning Titus, you’re calling early, what’s up?”

“Hey Daniel, I’m phoning to let you know I'm on three months' paternity leave.”

“You and Kean have a child? Sorry, I should have asked you how everything was going the other day.”

“If you had asked me the other day, I would have said the adoption journey was a struggle. But last night, two boys were given to us, a toddler and a newborn. Daniel, they’re Reggie and Doris’ children.”

I hear Daniel gasp. “Doris lived long enough to give birth?”

“She did. Lyric is the oldest, River is the baby. They had already picked out River’s name, so we’re using it.”

I hear Daniel sniff.“That’s lovely. You’ll make an amazing father, Titus. I expect lots of photos; you have my permission to spam me.”