24: A Breath Apart

|| Slade ||

I walked into the living room where the children were lying on the sofas. Finn was on his back with one knee crossed over the other, watching a cartoon on the TV. Fiona lay on her stomach, coloring in a book.

I stood there looking at them, unsure of what to say. I had never interacted with children before, and knowing these children were mine and that I had missed six years of their lives made my chest ache with regret.

I walked over and sat beside Finn. As soon as they noticed me, both of them sat up, their eyes on me.

I finally broke the silence. "What are you coloring, Fiona?"

She walked over and handed me the book. It was a Barbie coloring book, and she had done it beautifully; her colors blended perfectly.

"It’s brilliant," I said, genuinely impressed.

She smiled and stuck her tongue out at Finn.

"I can color too!" he said, racing toward his bedroom. He returned moments later with a Marvel and DC coloring book held proudly in his hands.

He showed me t