Chapter three
Kono had finally been allowed home after a week in hospital. The bullet wound was healing nicely and her bruising was fading slowly. On the condition that Kono take it easy for another few weeks she was able to be released. She sat solemnly on the couch, a blanket haphazardly thrown over her legs and a film playing in the background. Adam stood at the breakfast bar watching Kono intently. He had noticed her quiet demeanour and vulnerability. She had tried to hide it at first but Adam knew she was being stubborn, and after everything with her mom she finally let her walls down and let Adam in. Adam was sipping his coffee when Kono called out.
"Adam?" Kono called
"Yeah baby" Adam replied as he walked over to her.
"Can you help me to the toilet?" Kono mumbled, dropping her head in embarrassment at needing the assistance.
Adam didn't make her feel little, instead he removed the blanket and wrapped and arm around her waist, hoisting her up and taking her weight as they slowly made their way to the bathroom.
When Adam left Kono to her business she took a moment to look at her bruised face in the mirror before using the toilet. When she was decent she walked back over to the mirror and looked at her face before lifting her top and studying her dressing which hide the ghastly wound. Kono could feel the tears bubbling and quickly slipping out of her eyes. She dropped to her knees, sobbing for the pain of suffering such an event, the pain of seeing a women shot before her, and the pain of seeing Tilly lose her mother. Kono cried for a good ten minutes before she heard Adam knocking at the door. Kono attempted to compose herself, not wanting to give Adam anything more to worry about. She walked slowly over to the door, opening it with a shaky hand and looking up at Adam with teary red eyes before falling into his arms. Adam held Kono close, his own tears threatening to fall at seeing his girlfriend break down. Although Kono was a fantastic officer, Adam knew she often found herself becoming emotionally attached to certain cases and being so stubborn she would try to contain those emotions before breaking down.
"I want to see Tilly" Kono cried into Adam's chest, every emotion possible coming out of her.
Adam sighed. He knew that Kono's emotional turmoil was to do with Tilly. "Okay" he said simply, vowing to make sure Kono could see Tilly.
At the children's home Tilly lay under her bed crying softly to herself. She felt lonely and scared and wanted a familiar face. The care workers had tried to encourage Tilly to play with the other children but Tilly would have none of it.
"Come on Tilly, don't you want to make some knew friends?" Kate said, one of the care workers.
"No" Tilly sobbed as she turned her back to Kate.
Kate sighed and headed downstairs where she was greeted by Adam and Kono.
"Hi can I help you?" Kate said sweetly and Debbie walked out of her office and noticed the couple.
"Ahh Kono, Adam!" Debbie exclaimed happily.
"Hey" Kono said as she and Adam greeted Debbie.
"I'll take care of this Kate." Debbie said to the young worker.
"Okay" Kate said with a smile as she wandered off to the kitchen.
"So what can I do for you too?" Debbie asked.
"I erm wanted to visit Tilly." Kono said quietly.
"Ah well usually we would have some kind of protocol to follow and a meeting to be organised, but since I understand the circumstances I suppose a quick visit is okay. I must say though, for a girl Tilly's age, it could be very disruptive if you kept visiting unexpectedly. Normally we organise visitation days however Tilly has not settled in very well, and after seeing the bond between yourself and Tilly I think I could be a good idea for her to see a familiar face." Debbie explained as she took Kono and Adam to Tilly's room.
"Tilly, sweetheart you have a visitor." Debbie said as she crouched down to look under the bed.
Tilly didn't answer but did turn to face Debbie.
Kono lay on the floor and looked to Tilly. "Hey sweetheart!" She said happily as a smile formed on her face as well as Tilly's.
"Kono!" Tilly exclaimed as she crawled out and into Kono's arms.
"Ah darling how are you doing?" Kono said as she hugged Tilly.
Tilly clutched onto Kono's top. "Sad, Kono I don't like it here." Tilly mumbled.
"I'm sorry sweetheart; I know it's weird living somewhere knew." Kono said with a shaky voice, unsure how to make Tilly feel better.
"You have a really nice room here Tilly!" Adam said as he sat on the bed next to Kono and Tilly.
"It's pink!" Tilly giggled as she finally smiled.
"What's your favwite colour Kono?" Tilly asked with a tilt of the head.
"Hmmm Blue!" Kono said with a laugh.
"Like the sea!" Tilly exclaimed as she sat up on Kono's lap.
"Yeah just like the sea." Kono agreed.
Debbie stood in the doorway overlooking the three of them. "That's the first time I've seen her smile since she got here." Debbie said with a smile.
Kono and Adam spent an hour with Tilly before Tilly went down to lunch. Kono stood watching her as if to make sure she was okay, whilst Adam hugged Kono from behind.
"She seems to really like you." Adam smiled as he whispered into Kono's ear.
"I feel awful leaving her here, she shouldn't be here, it's not fair." Kono said sadly.
Adam pondered his though before turning Kono to face him.
"What if we didn't leave her here?" Adam said.
"We can't steal children Adam!" Kono exclaimed.
Adam smiled at Kono. "No, why don't we adopt her?" Adam asked.
"Really?" Kono said with a broad grin.
"Yeah, I mean clearly all these kids need a good home but we already know Tilly, and like Debbie said today was the first time she smiled and it was because of you. I've been dreaming of having kids with you for ages so why not." Adam rambled before Kono took his face in her hands and kissed him.
"I love you Adam Noshimuri" Kono said sweetly.