100. I would rather have a dog

Dear readers. This entire chapter takes place in Brindleton Bay with Tusnelda and Rasmus’ families, respectively. We have now jumped several weeks ahead compared to the previous chapter. However, there is something in the time line that may seem a little strange. Considering one of the subjects, it is due to a consideration on my part about whether I should relate to facts or to pure fantasy. I have landed somewhere in between, so I hope you take it as it is. Let’s get started.

*****

Early morning on the beach in Brindleton Bay

It’s morning and the long-legged sandpipers dart around the sand to find insects, mussels and small crayfish that have washed up on the beach during high tide.

The clouds are dense and gray, refusing to let the sun’s rays penetrate.

Fabio is up early. He is sitting at his activity table in the company of the cat Futte, busy making a colorful drawing.

Futte has finished her morning grooming and now she leaves the room to find her sister.

She has a good sense of where to find her. The bathroom is still the cats’ safe place.

When she reaches the bathroom, she sits down in surprise and watches in fascination a pleasant splash from the toilet. Fie is attracted by the sound and sits down next to her.

The water seems to have a strangely hypnotic effect on both cats.

Fabio gives his drawing a final sprinkle of glitter. He enjoys drawing, but at the same time he is motivated by a desire to earn points for an artistic scout badge.

When the drawing is finished, his gets up and listens for noises in the house.

He assumes his mother, Rasmus and the twins are still sleeping because the living room is completely empty and quiet.

He takes a shower with Futte as his faithful companion, lying on the bath mat.

*****

The day has grown by another hour, but it hasn’t gotten much brighter on the beach.

The sandpipers stop their foraging to keep an eye on a runner in the distance.

Since he doesn’t run in their direction, they will soon resume their activities.

It is Martin who, despite the gray sky, has chosen to run down to the beach this morning.

*****

Meanwhile, Fabio has finished his morning shower, leaving behind another leaky water pipe.

One has to wonder about the quality of the water pipes in this house, not to mention Futte who continues to sleep undisturbed, lying in a puddle.

Fabio finds his mother in the living room. She smiles kindly when he tells her about the water pipes and says she will have Rasmus check them.

Rasmus has become quite skilled at small repairs around the house.
We already know that cats love the bathroom, but seeing them sleeping in a puddle seems strange.

*****

Martin scouts over towards Deadgrass Isle to find the lighthouse as he runs. It is almost obliterated by the clouds.

The lighthouse will forever have a special meaning for him as it was here that he and Tusnelda had one of their first dates.

So much has happened in their lives since then, for better or worse.

When he thinks about it, there have clearly been more bright spots than gray days.

The loss of their unborn child certainly belongs to one of their darkest days.

It has been hard on both of them, but fortunately they have now landed in a place where you can say that the crisis has brought them out on the other side as a stronger couple.

Maybe it’s the gray sky that affects him. He should be happy and optimistic now, shouldn’t he?

He finds a bench to take a short break to think.

They have definitely become better at talking honestly with each other, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they agree on everything.

Their different personalities still mean that there are differences in their way of thinking.

Martin look out over the gray sea.

Like, for example, regarding the solution to their childlessness.

*****

Some weeks ago in San Myshuno

After having talked everything through thoroughly, he and Tusnelda had arranged a late-night consultation at Doctor Flex’s clinic.

“I’m really relieved that you’ve reached this decision, Mrs. Andersen,” the doctor said.

“It’s a decision we’ve made together, we’re in this together,” corrects Martin.

“Yes, of course, but let’s jump straight to the facts….There are several options we can consider, but as I explained to your wife, the chance of natural fertilization is very reduced. In this case, I would therefore say that I would recommend In Vitro Fertilization. Let me explain the procedure…” the doctor says.

“IVF treatment involves stimulating the woman’s ovaries with hormones so that they produce more eggs. After some weeks, we will harvest these eggs and perform in vitro fertilization, that is, fertilization in a test tube. After about five to six days, we will select the best developed embryos and transfer them into the uterus” he continues…..

“It will take up to another week before we can check whether the embryos have attached to the uterine lining.” he concludes, with Tusnelda and and Martin as silent spectators.

“I think we are already very well informed about the procedure, aren’t we Martin,” says Tusnelda, addressing him.

“Absolutely Tusnelda. With your systematic approach to problem solving, there is not much left unexplained,” Martin replies appreciatively.

Marcus looks from one to the other during their dialogue. They are in many ways some atypical clients, but the fact that they are well prepared should not be an obstacle.

“I assume this means that you are aware of what is expected to be your contribution to this treatment, Mr. Andersen?”

“Well, yes, I’m fully aware of what is required of me,” says Martin with blushing cheeks.

“I have to inform you that this does not give a 100 percent guaranteed positive result, but it increases the chance of a successful pregnancy by 40 percent, which, all things considered, is not a bad outcome,” says the doctor directly to Tusnelda.

Martin senses a slight change in Tusnelda’s posture.

“Are you sure you want to do it Tusnelda? We still have the other option to consider,” says Martin.

“Yes Martin. We have talked about this being what we want,” she says.

“Well, that means we’re ready to go,” Martin says with determination.

“Yes, when can we get startet?” Tusnelda adds in an eager voice.

“I’ll write a prescription for hormone therapy right away and then we’ll see each other in five to six weeks for egg retrieval,” the doctor says cheerfully.

Tusnelda turns to the doctor as they leave. He looks extremely self-satisfied.

Martin gives Tusnelda a kiss on the cheek. The first step has been taken, now all that’s left to do is continue.

*****

Still morning in the present

It is in several ways a good morning. It’s Saturday and Fabio has school off. He can hear his mother and Rasmus busy with the little buggers in the bedroom. This gives him the freedom to play any game on the computer without his mother’s interference.

Rasmus is standing bent over his little son in the crib, changing his diaper.

Izumi approaches Sif to take care of her.

Rasmus gives his son a kiss on the forehead.

Izumi watches him while he chats casually with the boy. He truly is a caring father. The best she could ever hope for. It fills her heart with such great love.

Rasmus puts the boy back in the crib. He seems satisfied and makes no sign of protest.

Izumi gives Rasmus a light kiss on the cheek….”Thank you, Rasmus” she says.

“Izumi, I’ve been thinking about something. We’ve been talking about a name and I think we should call him Sune….” says Rasmus.

“I think it goes well with the name Sif, as it’s also an old Nordic name that means son,” he continues.

“I think this is an amazing idea. I love it!” Izumi replies with a big smile.

Fabio has grown tired of his game and goes into the bedroom to see what is happening. Here, as he often does, he finds his mother and Rasmus swallowed by a kiss.

Once again he feels excluded from a community in which there is no place for him.

He sits down on the bed looking skeptically at what they are up to.

When Rasmus catches sight of him, he holds a baby towards him encouragingly.….”Hey Fabio, won’t you come and say hello to your little brother?” he says.

His mother gives him one of those looks that tells him it’s a non-negotiable issue.

Fabio approaches reluctantly…”Why should I?” he says in a grumpy tone.

“We found a name for your brother today,” Rasmus says cheerfully.

“We are going to call him Sune. It’s an old Nordic name that means son. What do you think?” Rasmus says kindly.

“I think it’s a crappy name.” Fabio says angrily.

Rasmus sends Izumi an uncertain look as Fabio leaves him with angry eyes.

“That was not a nice thing to say. What’s going on, Fabio?” Izumi asks.

“I don’t want that shitty brother! I would rather have a dog.” Fabio says angrily.

“It’s all your fault, Rasmus!” he continues.

“Fabio, please…” Rasmus says in shock.

“You can take your son and leave! I hate you!!!” he continues angrily.

Rasmus is too shocked by Fabio’s sudden outburst of anger to respond.

Unable to handle the unexpected conflict, Rasmus chooses to leave the room. He is completely confused about how to act and therefore leaves it to Izumi to talk to her son.

“Fabio, what’s going on with you all of a sudden. You made Rasmus upset.” says Izumi.

“He made me upset, mom. I thought he liked me, but now that he’s got a real son he doesn’t care anymore. He’s just mean,” Fabio replies angrily.

“But that’s nonsense Fabio. Rasmus really cares about you. You should know that by now,” Izumi says.

“Besides, Sune is also my son and that doesn’t make me love you any less. You will always be my firstborn son,” Izumi continues.

“I really think you should go in and apologize to Rasmus. He doesn’t deserve that behavior.” says Izumi.

Fabio feels the shame grow in him, but also something else he has no words for.

“You don’t understand anything, mom! I won’t say sorry,” he says angrily.

“..and I still want a dog,” he says as he angrily stomps out of the bedroom.

He throws an angry look at Rasmus as he walks towards his room.

Rasmus just sits and watches his indifferent cooking show, which proves he doesn’t care about him at all…

Fabio feels his anger bubbling as he goes into his room and slams the door.

He stands in front of the poster with the happy, playful dog. A dog would never let him down like that.

“I really want a dog!!!” he shouts angrily.

“I hate those stupid siblings!” he shouts and stomps the floor angrily…”I hate Rasmus, I hate my mom, I hate everyone!!”

Inside the living room, Izumi is comforting Rasmus.

“I’m really sorry, Izumi. I didn’t mean to upset him. I feel so incompetent,” Rasmus says sadly.

“It’s not your fault, Rasmus. He just needs to vent, and I will take to him later….Butt I guess it means that the adjustment to the two new siblings didn’t go as smoothly as we had hoped,” says Izumi.

*****

Martin feels his shoulder sink. He has promised to stand by her side all the way. However, he can also feel a doubt about whether this is the right path to take.

He looks out over the gray sea and the sky that seems almost desolate. It is Tusnelda who has to endure the effects of the hormones. He should be the one to keep them both upbeat.

*****

Yesterday evening at the hospital

They arrived at the hospital together yesterday.

At first, the receptionist seemed too busy to notice them, so Martin couldn’t help but think wistfully of the ever-attentive secretary at Doctor Flex’s private clinic. He’s heard she’s got another job now. It will definitely be a big loss.

Martin clears his throat and waves his hand.

“Hi, we’re here to see Doctor Flex,” he says loudly.

“We have an appointment with him this afternoon,” Tusnelda explains.

“Well, I will send him a message that you’ve arrived. You can take a seat on one of the sofas, and he’ll find you when he’s ready,” the secretary says kindly.

Then she immediately returns to her screen and keyboard.

Martin finds Tusnelda’s hand. She seems a little tense.

“Are you all right, Sweetie,” he asks, caringly.

“Yes, thank you Martin. I’m just a bit excited about the process,” she replies and squeezes his hand back.

They are both preoccupied with each other’s presence when they hear someone clearing their throat. None of them heard the doctor arrive.

They both look up in surprise as they become aware of his presence.

“Mr. and Mrs. Andersen. Will you please follow me,” he says.

Doctor Flex leads the way with brisk steps. Tusnelda and Martin try to keep up with his pace.

Tusnelda turns her head to look for Martin.

In front of them is the wide green door that triggers several unpleasant memories.

Then the door opens and Martin reminds himself that today they are here on a positive note. The doctor has managed to harvest seven fully mature eggs and fertilization appears to have been successful for all of them.

“I will leave you for a short moment while you change into the hospital clothes you will find behind the curtain. For your information, I will be implanting two blastocysts today. The excess is frozen for reserve. I will return to carry out the procedure in about fifteen minutes, then I assume you’re ready? ” says Doctor Flex.

“Yes, of course I will be ready.” Tusnelda answers seriously.

Martin senses her tension and grabs her hands.

“I am sorry, it’s not the most romantic way to make a baby, Tusnelda, but I’ll stay right next to you the whole time,” he said.

*****

In Vitro Fertilization….It sounds as unromantic as it is. The doctor placed two fertilized embryos in Tusnelda’s uterus and now they can only hope that a test shows they have implanted during the week.

Martin sighs deeply and stands up.

Tusnelda is a woman who firmly believes in scientific solutions, but lately his thoughts have been more often finding their way to the orphans in Via Romanza. It’s a thought she can’t quite follow.

He looks up at the heavy cloud cover in the sky. Perhaps it’s an imagination that he senses a narrow blue stripe in the gray.

He continues his run and passes the black dog that Tusnelda is so fond of.

He knows she dreams of adopting it, but this is another point where he and Tusnelda cannot meet.

*****

Fabio is still sulking in front of the dog poster when he hears a light knock on the door.

Without waiting for an answer, his mother enters the room.

“Hi Fabio, let’s talk,” she says.

Fabio gives her an angry look as she continues to sit on the edge of the bed.

He didn’t invite her, did he? he thinks sullenly.

“Come and sit down so we can talk,” his mother says kindly.

Fabio makes no move to come closer.

“Fabio, please!” she insists.

Fabio senses an undertone that makes him follow her order, but he has absolutely no intention of giving up without resistance.

“It’s just unfair! I have a completely perfect life and then those two little buggers show up and take up all your time and attention,” he says angrily.

“Rasmus had promised me we would go fishing and now he has forgotten all about it. When do you think it will be?” Fabio continues.

“Oh, I see. I’m sure he’d still love to go fishing with you when things get a little less stressful for us, but until then, maybe you could go fishing with Jayden,” Izumi suggests gently.

“It’s not the same. Rasmus promised it! I hate it when you and Rasmus always look like the twins are all that matters now…At least you could give me a dog for company…..A dog would never let me down like that,” Fabio continues.

“But I assure you that you still mean everything to us, to me and Rasmus. Unfortunately, we can’t have a dog. A dog requires a lot of time and care and that’s something we don’t have the energy for right now,” Izumi answers calmly.

“I can take care of a dog,” Fabio replies grumpy.

“A dog requires adult responsibility and you’re still a boy, Fabio. You can’t take on that kind of responsibility yet,” Izumi says.

“Yes I can! I can prove it,” Fabio stubbornly insists.

“I won’t discuss it anymore Fabio. I assure you that you are as loved as ever. You can’t have a dog, but you have tree cats as your friends. Look at Futte, she has come to be with you now” Izumi says…..

“One last thing, Fabio. I think you should give Rasmus an apology. He means no harm to you,” Izumi concludes.

“It’s not the same, mom! A cat is not a dog!” Fabio shouts angrily after his mother as she leaves.

“…and I won’t apologize to Rasmus,” he continues, but she doesn’t hear him as she has already closed the door behind her.

“It’s so unfair. It’s really unfair!” he scolds.

Despite his anger, Futte remains to listen. She doesn’t like his shouting but stays nearby anyway.

Cats have a developed sense of when their humans are depressed, and underneath the anger Fabio feels very abandoned and afraid of losing the adults on whose love and care he depends.

*****

When Martin starts his journey home, the heavy clouds are about to break up.

He quickly runs towards the cliff down towards the beach.

He takes a deep breath and looks out over the sea. It’s hard to be depressed when you see that sight.

In front of him, seagulls soar high as they scout for fish and the lighthouse stands majestically against the blue sky.

His gaze fixes on the lighthouse as he runs past it.

Then his gaze moves forward.

The long-legged sandpipers are still busy searching for food.

Shortly afterwards, he distances himself from the sea, sky and lighthouse as he runs through the viaduct under the road.

He goes through the garden door into the living room to sit on the sofa.

He turns on the TV and lets go of all disturbing thoughts.

Ahead of him is an exciting matchup between two of his favorite soccer teams.

*****

Fabio has finally ventured out of his room, very unsure of how to resolve the painful situation he has ended up in.

Rasmus seems to have fallen into similar speculations. The silence separates them miles away from meeting each other.

In Fabio’s room, Futte gets up from the bed.

She goes into the living room to look for Fabio.

Fabio turns around when he hears the cat meow.

“What? You understand nothing. You’re just a stupid cat.” Fabio says.

“Cats just follow their own stupid whims and are not as smart as a dog. Can you maybe fetch a ball or go for a walk? No! That proves everything,” says Fabio.

Futte narrows her eyes and looks at him.

“I’m not as stupid as you think,” she meows, sending Fabio a wise and understanding glance.

Fabio suddenly feels a little embarrassed. Futte can’t help but be a cat so he shouldn’t accuse her.

“Sorry Futte, I didn’t mean that. It’s not your fault you’re a cat. Come on, let me comfort you,” he says.

Futte purrs loudly in his arms. Fabio enjoys her loving humming. She is a very devoted and faithful cat.

Fabio feels a little calmer as he embraces Futte. In a way, he feels comforted by being able to comfort her.

After Futte jumps down, he looks up and sees Rasmus. He has moved closer to him and is looking at him.

Fabio looks unkindly back at him.

“Stop looking at me!” he shouts angrily.

“Fabio, I’m really sorry that I hurt you… It’s not my intention to replace you with any of your siblings,” Rasmus says cautiously.

“But why did you give your son that stupid name?” Fabio says angrily.

Suddenly Fabio is struck by sadness and despair that drowns out his anger. A despair that leaves him powerless with no way out of his painful state.

“Why?…” he says in a tearful voice.

That’s the signal for Rasmus to get up and come right up to him.

“Fabio, will you please listen to what I have to say now, because I have something important to tell you,” says Rasmus…

“I have just received an important document in the mail that concerns you….It was actually our intention to make a little ceremony, but you know things are unfortunately a bit stressful right now.” Rasmus continues seriously.

Rasmus finds a document and begins to read aloud…

“It is hereby announced that Rasmus Bonde has been granted permission to adopt Fabio Mori as his full-born son. The child will be given the surname Bonde.”….

“Rasmus Bonde hereby declares that he undertakes all obligations necessary for the care, concern and security of the child throughout his upbringing.” he concludes in a solemn voice.

“Is that real?” Fabio asks.

“It’s completely valid with authority stamps and everything required.” says Rasmus.

“Am I really your son now?” Fabio asks, still doubtful.

“You are my legal son. Should we give each other a hug then?” asks Rasmus.

Fabio’s anger and sadness completely disappear when he lets Rasmus embrace him and feels his loving care.

“You’re the best dad I could ever wish for.” he says with a big smile of relief.

When Fabio asks Rasmus if he wants to look at the clouds, Rasmus follows without reservation.

Rasmus lies relaxed on the grass and looks gratefully at Fabio who is eagerly telling stories.

The cats curiously approach the unfamiliar sight.

Above them they sees a blue sky with white light clouds forming fanciful creatures.

Rasmus listens to Fabio’s eager voice. When was the last time they had such an undisturbed moment together?

Fortunately, Sif and Sune seem to cooperate in not disturbing the peace. Sif sleeps with calm breaths. Izumi holds Sune in her arms and looks at him lovingly. She is happy that the boy finally got a name and that Rasmus announced the adoption to Fabio. It makes a world of difference to all of them.

There will definitely be new conflicts in the future. The moment you choose to have children, you invite conflicts into your home, but also moments of pride, love, and happiness. Right now, she feels very blessed.

Rasmus and Fabio lie quietly side by side, enjoying each other’s company.

It’s Saturday and it’s almost time for Fabio to go to scouts.

Rasmus calls his employer to take a day off. It sets him back a bit in his career, but right now he chooses his family over all other considerations.

When it’s time for Fabio to leave, he happily runs off to his scout meeting without any anger in his mind.

*****

Tusnelda finds Martin in front of the TV. She hasn’t seen him all morning.

“You went for a long run today? Hopefully you didn’t run into any unexpected obstacles?” she says.

“No, I just sat down by the pier for a while to enjoy the view,”

“What do you mean by enjoying the view? It’s been foggy all morning,” she says in surprise.

She is interrupted from asking further questions when she hears a message ticking in on her mobile.

Martin immediately turns his gaze back to the screen to watch the match.

However, he doesn’t get to enjoy the game for long before Tusnelda continues to talk to him.

“I just received a message from Ove. He has fixed the problem with the Pollination Technician from Sixam. We don’t have to worry about her interference anymore.” she says.

“Well, it’s honestly a relief. ” Martin says quietly.

“I’m sorry to say Tusnelda, but I’m not that attracted to making myself available in the Sixam style of reproduction.”

“Of course not. You are a human being and a man,” Tusnelda answers seriously.

(NB: If anyone should doubt Ove’s claim that Poly renounces all interference.)

I would say he is pretty sure he has the final say. 😉

“You don’t have to worry, Martin. I’m sure we’ve chosen the right method. Doctor Flex has really good recommendations, so that means I’m being treated by an expert,” she says…

“I know he did mentions that statistically there is no guarantee, but I have a good feeling about this. Of course, in the world of science, one should not talk about miracles as a valid possibility, but still miracles do happen!” Tusnelda states.

“Yes, I’m sure they do,” Martin answers gently.

Then he takes a deep breath and continues…

“Tusnelda, have you ever considered that perhaps our little miracle could already be born?” he asks.

“I don’t understand what you mean,” she replies, puzzled.

“We may still consider adoption as a possibility?… I found this place online called Via Romanza. It’s not what the name suggests it used to be, but it’s a home run by two compassionate women who have set up a home for orphans. Little orphans just waiting for loving parents to take care of them,” he replies.

“Well, I’m sure they’re doing a great job, but I don’t see why this concerns us,” Tusnelda says with a shrug.

“We agreed to follow Doctor Flex’s treatment. You said you agreed, didn’t you?” she said.

“Yes, of course, Tusnelda. I’m with you all the way,” Martin replies.

“I just want to mention it if all else fails. Just something to consider, to say that in that case all hope is not lost,” he adds.

“But I still have faith that we made the right choice, Martin, and so should you,” she states.

Tusnelda gets the last words in their conversation for this time. It’s time for him to go to work.

*****

He should have faith, as she says, but deep down he fears another miscarriage. It was really tough on their relationship last time.

He does not have the same unshakable faith in scientific solutions as she does, and furthermore he is sure that he will be able to love and nurture any child regardless of whether they share his genes or not.

Tusnelda stands up and lets her thoughts fall back to the day before….

*****

She had just had their two embryos transferred and she could see Martin’s unconditional support in his eyes, but also a hint of concern.

“How are you sweetie?” he asked.

“I’m fine Martin. I’m fine so don’t worry about me,” she replied, stroking his cheek.

He answered her silently with a kiss on her cheek.

She has no doubt of his support no matter what.

*****

Afternoon in present time

We’re back at Rasmus and Izumi’s. The sky is still blue but the house seems abandoned as Brooke runs quickly along unknown paths on her way to adventure.

What do two newborn parents of twins do when it’s quiet? They’re both trying to catch up on some of the sleep they’ve been missing.

Soon the peace is over and Rasmus gets up to take care of Sif. Izumi has put on a jogging suit to go for a short run.

“Hush little babygirl. Don’t wake your brother. I have a bottle waiting for you,” Rasmus says soothingly in a hushed voice.

Izumi has already lost some weight and is enjoying being able to run down to the beach, after the many months she was hampered by her pregnancy.

Rasmus enjoys the sight of his baby girl eagerly sucking on the bottle as he thinks about this morning.

Fabio will be back soon and he will probably still need his undivided attention.

Despite the gray clouds in the morning, it turned out to be a lovely day.

*****

Fabio is on his way home from scouting when he meets the dog again. It’s Bella, the dog that visited him months ago.

“Hey Bella, where have you been? I’ve missed you,” he says before noticing the woman appearing from behind the trees.

“Hi! I’m Fabio! Can I talk to your dog? What’s her name?” Fabio asks eagerly.

“Hi Fabio! I call her Sasha…She’s not really my dog, but a friend who often comes by,” Tusnelda replies.

Sasha eagerly encourages Fabio to come closer, with happy barks.

Fabio pats the dog, who responds with a grateful lick on his cheek.

“I can see she likes you. You look like a dog lover,” Tusnelda says with a smile.

“I’m a dog lover but my mom says I can’t have a dog,” Fabio says seriously.

“I’m sure Sasha would love to be your friend too. That’s almost as good,” Tusnelda says encouragingly.

*****

As Sasha runs away, Tusnelda invites Fabio to play chess with her.

She knows who he is. He’s Izumi’s kid and she can see he’s a pretty smart boy.

But still not smart enough to beat her at chess.

“Ouch! You won,” Fabio says disappointedly.

“I won, but maybe you’ll be the winner another time if you keep going like you are now,” she says approvingly.

She invites him inside and they sit and talk for a while in the living room.

“I know who you are, Tusnelda. You’re Rasmus’s friend. You’re not as strange as I thought you were. I’m really glad you’re a dog lover too,” Fabio says happily.

Tusnelda looks thoughtfully at Fabio as he leaves. It’s strange to think how he suddenly became a part of Rasmus’s life after he met Izumi.

Fabio runs home quickly.

The morning’s annoyances are forgotten. Now he’s just looking forward to telling his mother about his new friends.

*****

When Fabio has left, Tusnelda goes out into the garden and finds Sasha under the fruit trees.

Sasha happily jumps up into her arms and she hugs the dog.

“I really wish you were my dog and you could stay with me, Sasha. You’re such a lovable being,” she says.

Life is so full of possibilities, but you still can’t have everything you dream about.

*****

Izumi is home again and she is now breastfeeding Sif.

Rasmus has decided to go for a short run and passes Brooke on his way.

Brooke wakes up, yawns and stretches lazily before gets up to run home.

A little later, Fabio has completed the short route up the hill towards his home. He could have run into Rasmus or Brooke if they hadn’t taken a different route.

Izumi hushes Sif. She is the most active and restless of the twins.

Fabio finds Brooke outside the door when he reaches the stairs.

He is not surprised to find the living room empty, so he goes straight to the fridge and finds his lunch.

His mother has made him sliders and they almost taste like they contain real meat, (Which they actually do).

Izumi has put Sif back in the crib to nurse Sune. It is an endlessly repetitive task, while the babies are completely dependent on breast milk.

After putting Sune in the crib, she goes into the living room to check on Fabio.

“How was Scout? You look like you had a nice afternoon,” she says with a smile.

“Scouting was cool, but on the way home I met a dog. She said she wanted to be my friend…Well, actually I share her with Tusnelda. She’s her friend too. We played chess,” explains Fabio.

“Oh? Did you play chess with the dog” Izumi asks in wonder.

“Of course not, Mom! I was playing chess with Tusnelda,” Fabio replies with a frown.

“Well, it really sounds like you’ve had a lot of exciting experiences this afternoon. I’m glad to see you happy again,” Izumi says with a smile.

*****

She should probably take it easy, but the beautiful blue sky has lured Tusnelda out for a short run to the beach. It helps her endure the restless wait and besides, Doctor Flex has said that it won’t do any harm if she continues her life as usual.

As she runs under the viaduct towards the house, she sees someone standing outside.

It’s Rasmus. She feels a twinge of shame that she hasn’t visited him and Izumi since their family addition.

They embrace each other in a warm hug.

“Hi Rasmus, it’s been a long time. It’s rare to see you running. How are you?” says Tusnelda with a welcoming smile.

“Well, there hasn’t been much time for running since the twins were born. We’ve had a lot to take care of, but we’re finding a rhythm now so it’s lightening up,” says Rasmus.

“Yes, I can imagine,” says Tusnelda politely.

“I’ve had the most amazing day, Tusnelda. Today I told Fabio that I have officially adopted him….I became the father of another son!” says Rasmus with a big smile.

You should have seen his face. I had no idea how much it meant to him. I feel so blessed.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” Tusnelda answers without expression.

In all his euphoric joy, Rasmus does not notice Tusnelda’s reserved gaze, so he continues regardless.

“I can tell you, Tusnelda, that the most important thing that is needed to create a bond with a child is for you to tell them that they is really wanted,” he says.

Tusnelda is already walking away from him when he finishes his speech.

“Please give my regards to Martin. I hope you will visit us soon.” he adds.

Tusnelda turns to him.

“I’ll talk to him. We’ll find a day,” she says.

Rasmus suddenly gets the feeling that it won’t be straight away. It dawns on him that he may have behaved a bit thoughtless, as he knows she and Martin are still struggling with their childlessness.

Tusnelda stands still while Rasmus walks down towards the beach. She doesn’t understand the feeling that hits her, but everything seems to be working out for Rasmus, unlike her and Martin.

She shouldn’t be jealous of him. She knows he’s had a lot of resistance in life. She should be happy for him, but regardless, she feels betrayed.. It must be the damn hormones

Rasmus disappears in a cheerful walk under the viaduct to the beach, unable to hide his joy.

Tusnelda still stands behind where he left her.

*****

Fabio has been in the shower and is brushing his teeth before bedtime.

When he enters the living room, he sees that Rasmus has come home and is now sitting and talking to his mom.

“I don’t think you have anything to regret,” Izumi says.

“You of all people know that parental feeling is not a matter of genes and at least you might have planted a seed.” Izumi says.

“Yes, but I wasn’t thinking about her feelings, so I’m afraid I hurt her.…She seemed a bit closed off,” Rasmus replies.

Fabio listens to their conversation while trying to figure out what it’s about.

Izumi stands up to let Fabio and Rasmus bond together without her interference.

*****

“So what do you say to your dad putting you to bed, Fabio?” Rasmus says a little hesitantly.

“Yeah, that’s ok,” he replies seriously.

“Are we okay or is something still bothering you?” asks Rasmus when he sees Fabio’s serious gaze.

“Well there is something,” Fabio answers.

“Is it okay if I still call you Rasmus? I’m kind of used to it,” he asks uncertainly.

Rasmus bends down and gives Fabio a hug….

“It’s okay Fabio. I’ll be your dad no matter what you call me and you’ll be my big son no matter what,” he says.

“You’re the best dad ever, Rasmus,” Fabio says and hugs him back.

“You can put me to bed now.” Fabio says with a big smile.

When Rasmus sees the boy’s eager relief, he is filled with tender love.

“It will be with great pleasure,” he replies.

Rasmus feels unspeakably relieved that he has won Fabio’s trust again.

He calmly watches the boy getting ready to jump into bed.

As he tucks the blanket tightly around Fabio, he listens to his calm breathing, which indicates that he is immediately surrendering to sleep.

He bends down and gives him a kiss, forever grateful to the boy who taught him how to be a father.

*****

In the bedroom, Izumi and the twins are sleeping.

Fabio is sleeping in his bed under the protection of the magic lamp. It will not allow the monster to show its ugly face tonight.

Rasmus goes to the kitchen window and looks out. To his surprise, it is already pitch black night. It has been a long and mind-blowing day.

There are still some tasks to be done. As usual the washing machine is full of freshly washed clothes.

He goes out into the dark of night with the wet laundry.

He reflects on the day’s events while he hangs the laundry on the clothesline.

He’s glad he was able to do what was necessary, even though they had talked about holding a small ceremony to celebrate the adoption.

His last task will be to water the herb garden and then he has to go to bed. He needs some sleep.

*****

When he enters the bedroom, both babies wake up and start screaming. Sune needs a clean diaper.

Izumi sleepily gets up from the bed and walks over to Sif.

They stand side by side feeding their babies.

Izumi changes Sif, after which she quickly slips back into bed.

Rasmus stays back for a while longer, inhaling Sune’s baby scent. A grateful dad at heart forever.

*****

Author’s note: Today’s postscript is a little atypical as it mostly consists of pictures.…

This chapter is published too late to be a Father’s Day greeting, but since I’ve finally edited Rasmus and Izumi’s photographs on the walls of the house, I’ll let this be a tribute to how far Rasmus has come in his life….

…..He has done amazing so far! (Not forgetting his little bonus son, who he does not know about.) 💖

In order to pay tribute to the fathers who have been, are here now and those who are to come, I found this song. Enjoy!

*****