âDaddy, Iâm sorry.
I liedâ¦â
From the bedside table drawer, Colby retrieved a small ruler he used for drawing lines and handed it to Nathan with both hands.
âDaddy, punish me.
I deserve it.
â
Nathan gazed at Colbyâs determined expression and outstretched palms, his heart sinking as he watched the blood reverse into the injection tube.
âColbyâ¦â
Gently taking the ruler from Colbyâs hand, Nathan turned his left palm over and massaged his wrist to facilitate the flow of the injection into the vein.
Colby pursed his lips, avoiding Nathanâs gaze.
âI need to write with my right hand.
Daddy, can you spank me, like you do to Destinee when she messes upâ¦â
Colby had been fragile since he was born, spending much of his time at the lab.
Nathan couldnât bring himself to punish him.
Seeing Colby offer to be punished, Nathanâs resolve softened.
âI donât want to punish you.
I just want you to stay away from Eugene in the future.
â
Blinking back tears, Colby asked, âBut⦠Arenât you mad that I lied?â
Knowing lying was wrong, Nathan gently pinched Colbyâs face a Little tighter.
âThis is a small punishment, but Iâll let it slide this time.
If it happens again, Iâll have to punish you much more severely, so you wonât forget it.
â
.
.
Library
Colbyâs face turned pale, a hint of fear crossing his features.
âI understand.
I wonât do it again.
â
Nathan gently rubbed Colbyâs flushed face, unable to bring himself to scold him harshly.
âItâs my fault for not spending more time with you during your treatments.
Iâll find a way to be here every day.
â
Colby remained silent, looking displeased as he pouted and said, âDaddy, itâs not your fault.
Iâm old enough now.
You donât have to stop your work just to sit with me while I get my drips.
Otherwise, Iâll feel really guilty.
â
If his dad watched over him every day, he wouldnât have any freedom to do something mischievous.
Oh! No way!
He used to come up with ways to get his mom to leave him alone so he could be by himself, but his dad wasnât as easy to manipulateâ¦
Nathan couldnât quite decipher Colbyâs thoughts, but he sensed from his thoughtful expression that the boy was plotting something.
âSon, donât feel guilty.
If you have any mischievous thoughts or want to tease someone, you can always talk to me about it.
I might not approve, but Iâll Listen.
â
It was normal for kids to be mischievous.