THIRTEEN

CALLOWAY

Little Land.

What on Earth is that this magical place?

I squeeze Greyson’s hand tightly, peering up on the colourful signal. I’ve waited impatiently all morning for him to carry me right here, and now that we’re standing in entrance of the playroom, I do not know tips on how to react.

I’ve been dreaming about coming to Little Land ever since Waxley advised me he went with Wren some time again. He advised me he performed within the stuffy pit, ate limitless bowls of ice cream, painted a bead portray for his Daddy, and even splashed within the sizzling tub.

I flip to Greyson. “I’m able to play.”

Greyson boops my nostril. “I do know you’re, boy. That’s why I brushed your enamel in file time this morning. We needed to arrive proper at opening so that you’d have the complete day to have enjoyable. You deserve a pleasant break after the good work you probably did at group remedy. Everybody was in awe of how a lot you opened up.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Not one bit. Bryce advised me that the majority Littles are too shy to discuss their pasts the primary time they attend. They suck their thumbs, stare on the ground, and attempt to fake like they’re not listening. You owned your backstory like a boss, not shying away from telling the others what occurred. That allowed you to bond with the opposite Littles in a approach that you simply seemingly didn’t anticipate. As you heard, lots of the different Littles additionally had dad and mom who didn’t deal with them the very best, which is why your story resonated a lot.”

I thrust my arms round Greyson’s chest. “Thanks for getting me there. I used to be so scared to inform anybody about my previous—I used to be afraid the individuals who listened would attempt to persuade me to hate my father. I do not hate my dad, in no way, as a result of I perceive that he had a psychological sickness and was incapable of getting remedy on his personal. Nobody on the Hug Membership judged me for not making my dad out to be the worst man on this planet. They inspired me to just accept what occurred my approach, and respect the great issues my father did for me, whereas nonetheless empathizing with the concern he prompted previous me. Now, I really feel wholehearted once more—gentle and fluffy in a approach I by no means have earlier than. That’s as a result of my trauma is out within the open, Daddy. It’s not a secret.”

Greyson buries me in a hug. He holds me, simply holds me. He doesn’t let me go, irrespective of how laborious I wriggle as a result of I’m able to play.

He vegetation a therapeutic kiss on my brow. “You’re Daddy’s good, good, courageous boy. Aren’t you?”

“I attempt to be.”

“No.” Greyson stares instantly into my eyes. “You might be. Daddy couldn’t ask for a greater boy. And right now, you get your reward.”

Unwrapping his arms from my physique, Greyson takes my hand in his. We skip like schoolgirls, laughing as we bounce into Little Land. Just a few individuals on the road stare at Greyson like they will’t imagine a grown-ass man his age is de facto skipping, however neither of us care. Let individuals stare. Allow them to choose. Their opinion doesn’t matter, as a result of they haven’t any comprehension of the fantastic thing about our relationship. In truth, they’re most likely depressing, anyway. Why wouldn’t you need to skip into Little Land along with your boy? Discuss a boring life.

Greyson skips me straight to the check-in counter. Earlier than we communicate to the younger man within the dinosaur onesie that claims Little Land on the entrance, a burst of sparkly mist sprays us. I sigh, inhaling the scrumptious scent, watching because it glistens and shimmers within the air. Fairy mud isn’t half as fairly, and as I carry my index finger to seize a droplet on my pad, I can’t assist however assume that Greyson and I are going to have a magical day certainly.

“Hey, candy boy.” The younger man on the check-in counter leans down and pats my head. “You should be Calloway.”

I stare on the employee, awe and jealousy feuding inside me. This boy is so fortunate as a result of he will get to come back to Little Land day-after-day. Not solely that, he guards the playroom, defending it from hurt. Discuss a dream job. I shut my eyes, fancying myself in his sneakers, greeting cute boys who need to play with their Daddies, and let loose a breath of wonderment. Sure, I’d wish to work right here very a lot, if just for a day. Overlook ending my GED and going to school this fall. Little Land can be the very best place of employment on the planet.

Earlier than I reply, I have a look across the playroom. My jaw drops as my insides really feel playful and squirrelly. Rows of stuffies line the cabinets so far as the attention can see. The partitions are pastel and baby-ish with photos of teddies, dinosaurs, and rattles. A stuffy pit brimming with stuffed animals of each kind, form, and measurement beckons me, demanding that I leap in directly. The bead-painting station sparkles invitingly, promising countless pleasure in making a masterpiece for my Daddy. Within the again, the dance ground which I heard was a brand new addition is all arrange and prepared for a contented Little to wiggle on. And the new tub is steaming and effervescent, already swimming with rubber duckies.

“I certain am.” I lean on Greyson’s arm.

The younger man smiles. “I’m Connor. I monitor the playroom to make sure that each boy is having enjoyable and likewise following the principles.”

“What are the principles?” Usually, I do not take pleasure in following guidelines, however Little Land’s guidelines should be completely different. One thing inside me desires to observe them to be a very good boy. Not a nasty boy who does issues Connor, who would possibly as effectively be a god to me proper now, would disapprove of. I’d even be overjoyed if Greyson was pleased with me for behaving, as a result of his opinion issues most. Nothing beats figuring out that you simply’ve made your Daddy pleased with you, even the yummiest sugar treats on the planet. A Daddy’s delight in his boy outshines all the things.

Connor strikes to the left, revealing a pink signal behind him. “We put this up final month so no extra boys can be confused. First, it’s essential to put on a onesie within the playroom always.”

I nod. “I can try this.”

Greyson lets out fun, drawing small circles on my decrease again along with his palm. “Calloway loves sporting his onesie. It’s powerful to get him to don anything.”

“I’d like to know what cute issues are in your onesie.” Connor grins.

I blush. “Teddy bears.”

“Calloway is keen on my previous teddy bear I performed with as a boy.” Greyson pecks my temple. “I didn’t even notice that his favourite onesie was stuffed with my previous teddy’s brothers the primary few occasions I noticed Calloway put on it. I ought to’ve put two and two collectively.”

“Your teddy’s title is Constable Charlie, Daddy. He likes being referred to by his full title.”

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