KAI
I wasn’t sure what to think when Tins told us that we’d be doing a children’s hospital visit on our schedule for today. It wasn’t that I didn’t like kids. I loved them. Hanging out with Lucas last night was awesome. But I felt nervous about what I would encounter in today’s visit. These kids were all fighting for their lives.
Tinlsey picked us up in the limo early that morning. She had the car stocked with pastries, bagels and coffee. Points for her there. I remembered her always being thoughtful like that back in high school and college.
When we got to the hospital, Tinsley divided us into two groups. Ryan and Adrienne headed off to one floor with her assistant. Michael, Thiago and I went with Tins to the wing of the hospital for kids fighting cancer.
I was shocked by the smiles that greeted us as we walked off the elevator. There were heads poking out of nearly every door giving us shy smiles. One kid ran up to me as soon as I stepped close to the nurses station.
“You’re my favorite superhero!” he said, dragging an oxygen machine behind him as he threw his arms around me.
I knelt down to give him a big hug. “Well thanks buddy, but you know some people think I’m kinda a bad guy.”
“Deep down, I know you’re good,” he said assuringly. “I can tell.”
Smart kid, one of the storylines in the new movie was to show more of my origin story and to introduce the good side of my character. By the end of the movie, they had me joining the good guys.
“You know what little guy? I bet you’re right,” I said ruffling his hair. “You’ll just have to watch and see.”
“I hope I can,” he said with a hint of sadness in his voice. “I guess it just depends on when your new movie comes out.” He went off and joined a group gathered around Thiago.
Tinsley took me by the arm and led me away from the group into a private room.
“Are you okay?” she asked. “That was a lot.”
“Does he mean he won’t be around because?” I couldn't finish. My voice caught in my throat.
“Yes,” she said, rubbing my arm. “The nurse told me he only has a couple months left.”
I wanted to run out of the building. It wasn’t fair. These kids didn’t deserve this. The idea that this bright, young kid would be gone in a few months gutted me.
“I know this is hard,” Tinsley said. “It was never gonna be easy. But you are that boy’s hero. You are the hero for so many of these kids. When you need a break, you come to this room. That’s what it’s for, we don’t expect you to be unphased by what you’re seeing.”
“Really, so I’m not just being a wuss?” I asked, tears welling in my eyes.
“No way. But can I make a suggestion that might make this whole thing easier?” she asked.
“Anything!”
“These kids have so much hardship in their lives. You have a chance today to give them a break for the sickness, to give them a break from the adult stuff they should never have to deal with. Be that break for them Kai. I know you can do it.
“I’m going to give you a few minutes here to regain your composure. You come on out when you’re ready,” she said as she was leaving.
“Tinsley,” I said, catching her before she left.
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“Anytime Kai.”
After our conversation I had managed to get myself under control. The rest of the day wasn’t easy, but it was a lot more manageable knowing the way Tinsley had my back. I felt taken care of in a way I’d never experienced. I was used to doing all the giving in relationships if things ever even got past the first week.
Tinsley seemed like the type of woman that would give back as much as she got, if not more. A true partner. Her care and compassion were such a turn on. I couldn't wait for dinner tonight.
—
I was fighting off a hard on before I even got out of the Uber. Tinsley just had that effect on me. I’d had a massive crush on her back in school and when she walked into the conference room the other day, I’d practically come unglued.