Trading Post

Uh oh has something gone wrong beyond just a paperwork snafu.

Thanks for the information. I just like that chapter so much that I was sure that everyone would like to read it again or maybe wait until I have more sleep.  Any way thanks again. I have fix it  

Chapter 23 : Jack moved from one part of the playground to another, small hands gripping bars, as he climbed and explored. The air felt different out here—fresh, open, alive—and for a while, everything else faded away.   The slide was his favorite.   He climbed up carefully, heart beating a little faster with each step, then pushed himself forward and whooshed down. The brief rush made him laugh—a real, unguarded laugh that hadn’t come easy lately.   Again.   And again.   Each time a little braver, a little quicker.   For those moments, there were no rules, no stares, no expectations. Just the feeling of moving, playing, being outside.   —   Off to the side, beneath the shade of a wide tree, Jill and Marcus sat close together. At first they were just talking, their voices low and relaxed, but it didn’t stay that way. Jill leaned into Marcus, and he wrapped an arm around her without thinking. It was easy, natural.   Comfortable.   Jack noticed when he paused at the top of the structure, catching his breath. His eyes drifted toward them.   They looked… happy.   Marcus said something that made Jill laugh, and she nudged him lightly. He smiled, leaning in closer, pressing a soft kiss against her before she returned it just as easily.   Jack watched a moment longer than he meant to.   Something tugged at him—something quiet but heavy.   That looks nice…   He shifted his weight slightly, fingers tightening around the railing.   Having someone like that… someone who stays close…   His gaze lingered, then dropped.   …someone who actually wants you.   The thought settled deeper than he expected.   No one’s gonna want me like this.   He looked down at himself—small hands, unsteady footing, everything about him that made him feel… less.   Who would want a kid… still in diapers…?   His chest tightened just a little, the earlier lightness dimming.   For a moment, he just stood there, caught between wanting something he couldn’t have and not knowing what to do with that feeling.   Then he shook it off.   Or at least tried to.   Just play… don’t think about it.   He pushed himself down the slide again, a little less enthusiastic this time, but still trying to hold onto that feeling from before.   —   After a while, the energy started to wear off.   The climbing slowed. The laughter faded into quieter movements. His steps became heavier, less certain.   Eventually, Jack made his way back across the grass toward the tree, his pace slower now, a faint tiredness settling into every step.   Jill noticed first. “Hey, there he is,” she said softly, sitting up a bit.   Jack didn’t say much as he reached them—just leaned slightly, clearly worn out.   Marcus stood, brushing his hands off. “C’mere,” he said, reaching down to pick him up.   This time, it was Marcus who took over without hesitation. He adjusted Jack in his arms, giving him a quick, practiced check.   “Yeah,” he muttered lightly, more observational than anything. “We’re still good.”   Jack barely reacted, too tired to care.   Instead of setting him back down, Marcus walked him over to the stroller. There wasn’t the same hesitation this time—no refusal, no resistance. Just quiet acceptance.   He eased Jack into the seat, adjusting the straps carefully but comfortably.   Jack didn’t argue.   Didn’t even look up.   Marcus grabbed a bottle from the bag and handed it to him, along with a small handful of animal crackers. “Here,” he said. “You earned it.”   Jack took them slowly, his fingers a little sluggish now. He brought the bottle to his mouth first, taking a few quiet sips before absentmindedly nibbling on a cracker.   Jill stepped closer, brushing a bit of hair from his forehead. “You had fun, huh?” she asked gently.   Jack gave a small nod.   He didn’t mention what he’d been thinking earlier.   Didn’t mention the way his chest had felt.   He just sat there, sipping his bottle, letting the tiredness take over.   Marcus grabbed the stroller handles and gave it a light push forward. “Alright,” he said. “Let’s head back. Grab something to eat.”   Jill fell into step beside him, and together they started back toward campus.   The wheels rolled smoothly along the path, the quiet rhythm of it matching the slower pace of the afternoon.   Jack leaned back in the stroller, eyes drifting as he chewed and sipped, the world passing by in a soft blur—his earlier thoughts still there, but quieter now, tucked somewhere beneath the surface as the day carried on.   Jack, Jill and Marcus made their way to where the busses were located on campus. They climbed aboard and took their seats. The bus ride back toward the city was quiet, the hum of the engine and the occasional chatter from other passengers forming a soft background to the afternoon. Jack sat perched on Jill’s lap, little legs dangling, his fingers wrapped around one of his toys for comfort. His other hand rested lightly against Jill, who kept a gentle hold on him, steadying him with subtle movements whenever the bus swayed.   Outside the window, the trees rolled past in a blur of green and gold, cars streaking by with their muted sounds. Jack pressed his face lightly against the glass, captivated by the shifting scenery. He didn’t speak much—just small hums of fascination as each new thing passed by.   It’s all moving so fast… so many things… I can’t even… he thought, cheeks still warm from the sun and the exercise.   Jill, sensing his quiet attention, leaned closer to Marcus, resting one hand on his arm while holding Jack securely with the other. Their voices were low and easy, a soft murmur he couldn’t quite catch from here. He felt a little pinch in his chest as he watched them—so calm, so connected.   They look… happy. I wish I had that…   Jack blinked and shook the thought away, forcing himself to focus on the window again. The feeling lingered, though, a quiet longing he couldn’t quite push aside.   Soon, the bus slowed, pulling into their stop. Marcus stood first, offering a hand to Jill as she carefully lowered Jack from her lap. He helped guide Jack into the stroller, gently buckling him in. Jack’s fingers brushed against the panel of buttons, and one of them—predictably—triggered the familiar voice and theme of Dino Dan.   Jack groaned, irritated, pressing the button again and again to no avail. Ugh… why do I even have to deal with this? he thought, his face scrunching in frustration, though he tried hard to keep it quiet.   “Easy, little guy,” Marcus said, catching Jack’s small hands before he could hit the buttons again. Jill gave a soft laugh, rubbing his back soothingly. Jack just huffed, silent, muttering in his head.   Why does everything have to remind me of… that? Why can’t I just… have one meal… one normal meal…   They moved out of the bus stop and made their way down the street, the stroller wheels rolling over the pavement with soft clicks. Jack watched the city move past—people walking by, cars honking, shopfronts flashing by—but his mind kept wandering.   BBQ… he thought, the word tasting sweet in his imagination. I just want… something I can eat on my own… something not… baby…   He sighed quietly, realizing he had no leverage this time. Breakfast had been fine—eggs had been acceptable—but lunch… he knew what was coming. Jill and Marcus would order from the menu, full plates of smoky, rich BBQ. And he? He would likely be given something else entirely, served in a way that made him feel small again.   It’s… unfair… but I don’t have the patience. I just… have to… He trailed off in his thoughts, sinking slightly in the stroller as they approached the restaurant.   The door opened, the scent of smoked meats and sauces greeting them immediately. Jack’s nose wrinkled in a mix of curiosity and longing. He scanned the menu board for a moment, trying to imagine something he could eat, but quickly realized that nothing here would be served to him the way he wanted.   He huffed softly, pressing his small hands to the stroller sides. I can’t argue… not now… I just… have to… be good.   Jill and Marcus moved ahead of him, Marcus gently steering the stroller while Jill held his hand for a moment as they crossed the threshold. The restaurant was warm and bustling, the smell of BBQ filling every corner. Jack took a deep breath, trying to focus on the sensations of the moment—the smell, the sounds, the warm light—rather than the unfairness he knew awaited him.   One step at a time… just… get through it…   The trio made their way to a table, the smell of smoked brisket and pulled pork filling Jack’s nose. He sat quietly in the stroller, hands resting in his lap, little shoulders tense, and waited. The soft thrum of conversation around them didn’t ease his nerves, but having Jill and Marcus so close helped anchor him.   I’ll survive… somehow… he thought, eyes flicking to the menus Jill and Marcus had grabbed. I’ll survive.

Any abdls around?

I have my own. My Wife would NOT be happy if I wore hers.