Papa, Not Nick
No more Ben?
Ben bad?
Nick bad?
No.
Nick not bad. Nick hurt him. Nick hit. But Nick made pancakes. Nick played trains. Nick held him when he was sad. Nick loves him. Nick loves Daddy too. Nick can’t be bad.
Nick is… Papa?
Ben not Papa?
Ben… weird. Ben made Daddy upset. But Ben smiled too much, talked too nice. Too nice. Like a trick.
Daddy is his. No one takes Daddy away. Ben wanted to take him away. Why?
Ben bad.
Yes. Ben bad.
Daddy good. Papa… Nick… Nicky… Mr. Nick… no, Papa is good too.
Remy doesn’t like the chair. It’s big and cold, and there’s a big microphone in front of him. He doesn’t know why the grown-ups ask so many questions. But he tells the truth.
Daddy is his.
Papa is his.
Ben is not his.
Ben is bad.
Ben is wrong.
Then it’s done.
Daddy is carrying him, holding him tight, kissing his cheek again and again.
Daddy is happy.
But…
Papa isn’t here.
Remy looks around. No Papa, not anymore. No Nick.
He frowns, sniffles, curls into Daddy’s chest.
Remy misses Papa.