Robert knew things would change upon moving in with the Christiansens. He knew there would be less, if any, late nights out drinking and cryptid hunting. He knew Sunday mornings would be for attending church rather than treating a bad hangover. What he didn’t know, however, was there would be such a large jump in how many colds he caught each year.
“What’s that? Your third chest cold in the past six months?” Joseph estimated as he patted Robert’s back to assist in soothing a fit of coughing.
“Probably.” Robert shrugged in between a few productive coughs, followed by finally lying down in exhaustion. “Where the hell do these even come from?”
“Well, your smoking habit is one factor…” Joseph’s voice trailed off by the end of that statement, not wanting to offend Robert. “That, and the kids do carry a lot of bugs home from wherever they go. It’s like some kind of agreement they have to transport viruses to us while they stay healthy.” Joseph added jokingly, though there was probably some truth to what he said.
“Sounds like they might be up to no good.” Robert laughed, his exhales rattling.
“I’m good!” A small voice added.
“Oh! Crish! What are you doing here? Weren’t you playing with Chris?” Joseph inquired, hoping Robert’s use of ‘the H word’ earlier went unheard.
“Daddy Robert!” Crish held up a toy doctor’s kit. It was Christie’s, but Joseph couldn’t hear any shouting over it not being in its usual spot, which meant the twins had to be busy with something else; so long as the activity was quiet, he didn’t mind.
“Daddy Robert,” Joseph had trouble calling him that, but he could see Robert was amused by this name, “isn’t feeling well today. He needs quiet so he can–”
Wait. Where did Crish go?
Joseph pivoted to find Crish already on the bed, holding a toy stethoscope to Robert’s chest.
“Shhh! I’m checking his heart.”
“Yeah, Joey. He’s checking my heart.”
At least Robert didn’t mind. Joseph guessed it had probably been years since Robert had felt this much like a dad. Having four kids, Joseph wondered if he had been taking moments like these for granted. It must have meant a lot for Robert to be so well-accepted by the kids; it wasn’t everyday someone could turn their life around and get not just one, but four second chances at being a father again.
“Your heart is okay!”
“All thanks to you, doctor.”
“Nuh-uh!”
Robert and Joseph glanced at each other, not sure what Crish was on about.
“It’s ‘cause you got Papa in it!”
And with that, the little one ran off, probably to watch TV. At least Joseph didn’t have to bribe him with candy this time.
“Did you teach him that?” Robert grinned.
“Maybe.”
“Glad to know I’m not the only one teaching him the important stuff.”
“Important? You taught him cryptid names.” Joseph laughed, brushing his hand across Robert’s forehead. “You must be delirious.”
“Cryptid knowledge is gonna save that boy’s life some day–” Robert was cut off by a fit of harsh coughs.
“Oh, gosh. That cough isn’t letting up, huh? How about I get you something hot to drink?”
“A hot drink sounds so damn good right now. But first…”
“Yeah?”
Robert picked up the toy stethoscope that was left on the bed.
“Tell me if you being in my heart sounds like that Jimmy Buffett song.”