Weight of reality

Kristoff's words lingered in the night air, sinking into my chest like an anchor.

I'm here.

I wanted to believe him. Desperately. But experience had taught me that words were easy promises even easier. It was actions that mattered.

I wiped my tear streaked face and sat beside him on the bench, folding my arms to keep from shaking. "You say that now," I murmured, staring ahead at the empty park. "But what happens when reality sets in? When things get messy? When you realize how much this will change your life?"

Kristoff let out a breath, raking a hand through his hair. "I don't have those answers, Ari. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared out of my mind. But you don't have to do this alone."

I swallowed, my throat tight. "I don't want you staying just because you feel like you have to."

He turned to me, his expression unreadable. "You really think that low of me?"

I hesitated. "I don't know what to think anymore."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Look, I won't pretend I know how to be a dad. Hell, I barely have my own life figured out. But this… this is happening. And I want to be part of it."

I studied him carefully, searching for any sign of doubt, any hesitation that might confirm my fears. But all I saw was sincerity.

Still, fear gnawed at my insides.

"I just…" I hesitated, forcing myself to put my fears into words. "I don't want to get my hopes up."

Kristoff's jaw tightened. "Then don't. Just let me prove it to you."

A lump formed in my throat. I wanted to trust him. I really did. But trust was a fragile thing, and I wasn't sure my heart could take another break.

Silence stretched between us before Kairo finally stood, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I meant what I said, Ari. No matter what, I'm in this with you."

Then, with one last glance at me, he walked away, leaving me sitting there with my whirlwind of emotions.

And for the first time that night, I let myself believe just a little that maybe I wouldn't have to face this alone.

The next few weeks passed in a blur.

Kristoff kept his word. He showed up to appointments, asked questions, even texted me random things like: Should we be taking those baby classes? or Is it weird if I'm already thinking of baby names?

At first, I kept my walls up, waiting for him to disappear. But he didn't.

Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was temporary. That one day, he'd wake up and realize he wasn't ready for this for me.

One evening, after a routine check up, we stopped by a small café. Kairo was unusually quiet, stirring his coffee absentmindedly.

"Something on your mind?" I asked, taking a sip of my tea.

He sighed, setting his spoon down. "Yeah. I've been thinking… maybe I should tell my parents."

I blinked. "You haven't told them yet?"

Kristoff shook his head. "I barely talk to them as it is. But this isn't something I can keep from them forever."

I nodded slowly. "Do you think they'll be mad?"

He let out a dry laugh. "Probably. My mom will be dramatic, and my dad will just shake his head like I'm some lost cause. But… they should know, right?"

"Yeah," I said softly. "They should."

Kristoff studied me for a moment, then leaned back in his chair. "And what about your family?"

I stiffened. "My mom doesn't exactly have the best track record when it comes to support. She'll just tell me I ruined my life."

Kristoff frowned. "You didn't ruin anything, Ari."

I let out a humorless laugh. "Tell that to my career plans."

He was quiet for a beat before he reached across the table, resting his hand over mine. "You're still you, Ari. You can still have the life you want it'll just look different now."

My heart clenched at his words. He made it sound so simple. Like I wasn't standing on the edge of something terrifying.

Like I wasn't completely and utterly lost.