The name Neal
Marina Ka-Fai: I only take one request at a time and ask for people to leave a gap between requests just so the list doesn't get too big. I picked your second request of little Neal learning about his namesake and worrying it'll make Emma and Henry sad.
Henry had noticed there was something off about his little uncle. He had been so quiet the whole time Emma and Henry had been there. His grandparents kept giving the four year old little looks like they were worried he was going to say something inappropriate. It took ages, but eventually Henry was left alone in the room with Neal while his gran and grandpa sorted dinner and his mom went to the bathroom.
"Alright, out with it." He whispered. Neal looked at him, confused. "Come on, we don't have much time, spill. Why are you being so quiet? What's wrong?" Neal shrugged his shoulders and looked down at his shoes. "Come on Neal, you don't want to make me sad by keeping secrets from me do you?" Henry said, putting on a fake pout. Neal looked up and shook his head. Henry knew the little boy couldn't stand even thinking he'd upset someone. "So come on then, tell me what you're hiding."
"Mommy and daddy were reading from your book last night…" Neal mumbled. "They were reading about Rumpool-stilt-skeen and his little boy. I asked about him and they told me he came here and his name became Neal. I said that was like my name and they told me that he was your daddy and he died and I got his name. I was scared you'd be mad that your daddy died and I took his name. I wouldn't want someone taking my daddy's name. I would miss him too much." Neal explained. Henry smiled at the little boy's sincerity. He pulled Neal close to his side.
"Aww buddy, have you been worrying about this? My dad didn't die because you were taking his name. You got his name after he died. You were named after him because he died a hero helping save me and your sister. It's not your fault, ok?" Neal sniffed and nodded into his nephew's torso.
"Kay Henry." He replied. Henry ruffled the kid's hair. He felt terrible thinking Neal had carried that burden around. At least Henry had been able to explain now. He was proud that his grandparents chose to name Neal after his dad. Sure, it wasn't the most conventional thing done in families. But since when was their family conventional?