Page 63 of The Pacifist
“Oh hey, honey, we’re just about ready to leave for the hospital. Next time you see your dad, he’s going to be able to hug you with two arms.”
“And walk,” my dad added.
My mission of saying no to the tournament faded in the background as I was sucked into their world of nervous excitement before the operation.
“I can’t wait to walk in the park again. They say that in time, I might be able to run as fast as I did before.”
“Good, then you can take my dogs running. They would love that.”
He laughed. “Sure, I’ll need all the training I can get.”
I moved over to hug him as he sat in the hoverchair. “Are you nervous, Dad?”
“Of course I am. What if they accidentally put the left leg where the right leg is supposed to go?” He laughed. “It’s a good thing that Finn is there to help with the operation.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine, and Mom said you’ll be home in two days.”
“Only because we have all the equipment here and Finn is staying for a while.”
“It’s a lucky thing that your best friend is a doctor. Finn is a good man.”
My dad kissed the back of my hand. “Finn is the best.”
It softened my heart to see my dad’s eyes grow a bit moist and I gave a loving tug at his beard where the black bead still reminded me that we had once made a bet.
“I see gray in your beard; it suits you.”
“It’s from the accident.”
My mom came over and kissed Magni on his cheek. “It’s part of reaching his forties and it only makes him look sexier.”
Laura jerked and gave a loud outburst when Magni smacked her behind. With a mischievous grin, he winked at her. “You’re biased. Not even the scars of my missing limbs have made you run for the hills, so I doubt a little gray hair will.”
She bent down and nuzzled her nose against his. “I’m glad it finally sunk in.”
It was touching to see my parents so flirtatious and at the same time I felt my heart yearn for what they had. Again, my right hand found my wristband and my thoughts went to Jonah.
“Mila Vanilla, do me a favor, will you?” My dad was moving toward the door while my mom had gone to pick up a bag from the floor. “Stay inside if possible, okay? My men are busy keeping things peaceful but there are murmurs that worry me.”
“About what?”
“The usual. Ambitious men with a dream of ruling the country.”
“But that’s not a new thing, is it?”
Magni shook his head. “Look, I don’t want to worry you, but we’ve received threats and the other day the Huntsmen brought down a large group plotting to overtake Khan.”
“But that makes no sense. With the election coming up, they have a chance to win the presidency without violence.”
“What can I say, some men aren’t in favor of democracy. Just stay inside!”
“Yes, Dad.”
I walked my parents to the drone and together my mom and I supported Magni from the hoverchair into the drone.
Magni drummed his hand on the panel in front of him “This is it, time to become a fucking cyborg.”
“I’ll see you soon, Dad.”
