Hidden Burdens

Video Games Can Build Bridges

Author's Note:

Just a quick note, because names and characters can be difficult to come up with and remember, caseworker characters will make appearances in multiple stories. It's just a reference and will not be considered a crossover.

- & -

Tristan's caseworker came by Friday afternoon, giving Ben the opportunity to meet her since he wasn't able to when she dropped him off on Monday. Thankfully, Mary Ann was another caseworker who would be cooperative in the communication department rather than just text and email, and the occasional drop-by that Claudia's caseworker, Matt, seemed to prefer. Ben would have thought Matt wasn't talkative like most of their kiddos if he hadn't seen the guy in action at Claudia's court hearing back in May. It was frustrating, but he figured Matt had his hands full with other kids and Ben just needed to work on his patience.

Mary Ann checked in with Tristan first, making sure he was doing alright in the new placement and had everything he needed. It was another surprise when Ben learned Tristan liked it there, even with the few times Ben got on him for something.

Saturday morning, everyone but Tristan changed into their swimsuits and helped wash the jeep and truck in the driveway. Kayla and the teens tried to encourage Tristan to join them but left him alone for now as they did for Kimmy. Kimmy at least joined in the fun, but hung out of the way whenever a playful water fight broke out and moved over to wash the other vehicle.

After both vehicles were clean and rinsed off, Kayla passed out dry towels to dry them down to prevent water spots.

Lunch was either a sandwich or leftovers. Afterward, while Kayla took Kimmy to her swim lesson, Ben took Tristan to the comic book store he had mentioned before. On the way, Ben took an interest by asking what series Tristan played, who explained he played Magic the Gathering and Pokémon.

"I don't think I heard of Magic the Gathering," Ben admitted, "but I used to collect Pokémon cards. My cousin and I never learned the exact rules, but we tried. Mostly we just liked looking at them and trading our doubles."

"I can teach you," Tristan offered.

Ben shrugged. "I got out of that stuff as I got older, but sure, if you want." At least for Tristan and any other kiddos they got in the future.

There was a small group of kids, ranging from eight to fourteen at the comic book store when they arrived. Ben watched for a moment but didn't want to feel as if he was looking over a kid's shoulder and walked around the store instead, finding a board game for the house.

On the drive home, while asking Tristan how he did, Herb called. At first Ben was afraid the call was to lecture him about still not regularly checking in. To his surprise, it was to invite him and any of their kiddos who would be interested, for their annual Father's day camping trip.

Every year since Ben was a boy, his father had taken him camping. It didn't stop when Ben grew up, except for the few years when he and Kayla were busy preparing to be foster parents. To hear his dad wanted to continue the tradition with the kids, brought a huge relief for him.

Of course, Tristan was the first kiddo Ben asked since he was there with him. Ben explained his dad would be in charge, who was a no-nonsense type of guy, who offered a responsibility not many parents or grandparents gave to kids, especially in this day and age. If a kid couldn't handle that kind of responsibility, Herb would not hesitate to take it away until trust could be earned while ignoring any pleas for second chances. Due to foster care rules, he couldn't take the kids hunting, something that piqued the boy's interest for a split second. Herb would teach them to use a small pocket knife for emergency survival skills.