Before I left for work that morning, Vanessa had insisted I didn’t need to drop Kyrin off at Lainey’s place because she planned to stay home with him. The mere suggestion shocked me, but I didn’t argue. Still, I worried. Though, deep down, I knew she would never leave him alone. Vanessa knew how fiercely protective I was over Kyrin, so she knew better than to do some stupid ass shit like that. Still… the last thing I expected was to waltz into our kitchen and find her cooking a multi-course meal.
Vanessa glanced up from her culinary endeavors when she heard me setting the bags down. “You’re just in time!" she exclaimed, beaming. “I made baked chicken, rice, cabbage, mac and cheese, and cornbread—the birthday boy’s favorite.”
I blinked in astonishment, my eyebrows shooting up. “You… cooked?”
“Don’t act like it’sthatshocking,” she teased, lifting a brow.
“Itis, Ma,” I kept it real.
She laughed, then drifted over to peer nosily into my bags. “I know it’s Kyrin’s birthday and all, but where did you get the money for all of this?”
“Ma, I work. Actually, I have two jobs, remember? I might even throw in a third one if things keep up like this. Who knows?” I shrugged, trying to sound casual.
She rolled her eyes dramatically before responding, “You spoil that boy too much.”
“Well—” I began, ready to defend myself.
“But,” she gently interrupted, “I appreciate all you do for him, and I’m sure he does too.” Her smile softened, something almost vulnerable flickering in her eyes.
I froze for a moment, caught off guard by this rare glimpse of tenderness from my mother.
“Go on and give him his gifts,” she said quietly, her gaze turning toward the hallway. “I’m sure he’s waiting to see you.”
The way she emphasized the word “you” didn’t feel snide; it had a subtle air of guilt… but I chose not to address it.
I crept down the narrow hallway toward the shared bedroom me and Kyrin occupied, dragging the bags quietly behind me so they wouldn’t alert him too soon. As I reached the room, I caught sight of Kyrin curled up in his bed, hoodie snugly pulled over his head, engrossed in watching Rush Hour on the small TV. Chris Tucker was mid-rant, and Kyrin was cracking up so hard that he had to pause the movie just to catch his breath.
I gently dropped the bags just outside the door and slipped inside.
“Jo!” he shouted, instantly springing up and dashing into my arms.
“Hey, sport!” I giggled, ruffling my fingers through his soft, curly hair. “You’re watching your favorite movie, I see?”
“Yup!” He grinned up at me, his face illuminated with pure joy. “You missed the best part—Chris Tucker trying to sing Michael Jackson! I rewound it twice!”
I chuckled softly. “You feeling okay today?”
“Mm-hmm.” He nodded vigorously.
“Good! Because I plan to make your day just a littlebetter…birthday boy!”
“Aww! I thought you forgot!”
“Never!” I stepped out to grab the bags and returned with them, feeling a thrill of anticipation. “I got you a few things.”
Kyrin’s eyes widened, seemingly about to pop out of his head.
When he spotted the PS5 box, he gasped as if he’d just encountered Jesus and Spider-Man at the same moment.
“No way! No way! NO WAY!”
Then came the unveiling of the games, alongside V-Bucks and Roblox cards.
Kyrin was hopping on his toes, practically vibrating with excitement. “Jo… are you serious?! I can buy skins! Real skins!”
He was obsessed with the controllers. “Oh my gosh! These are the coolest controllers ever!”
Seeing pure joy on his face was enough to make me want to drop to my knees and thank somebody—anybody.