I see Min beaming up at a man and their resemblance is stunningly clear. My heart hitches as I see the surprised face of the man I loved and hurt so deeply who left life before I could make it up to him stands before me staring down at my precious son. Having heard me say his whole name my son makes a serious face and walks to me and Hiero looks up and as our eyes meet I feel the urge to run into his arms as well as the urge to run away in fear that this is just another dream.
"Mum I'm sorry I ran away but I found Pa!" Mieno tries to clear himself. I let tears run silently down my face as my son's voice unfreezes my stagnant position. I clutch Mieno's small hand pulling him into my arms and taking a partial quarter step forward towards Hiero before the hurt I see in his eyes makes me jump a step back and I hug my babbling song to myself and pivot in place turning to bolt away from this trippy and depressing fever dream.
Just as I turn around a hand catches me pulling me into an embrace. The embrace is strong and familiar taking me back to the days of bliss with Hiero. Afraid this is another dream but not wanting to let it slip through my fingers I turn and embrace him equally as tight. The warmth, the rapid beating of his heart, and his trembles make me all the more wish this was real.
"I knew I'd find Pa!" Min exclaims causing me to pinch myself and I don't wake up so this must be real I reason with myself and tears come rushing out in streams. Min holds my hand and latches himself onto Hiero's leg. "Pa don't you want us?" Min keeps saying and I can't help but worry that my Min knows too much.
After a dramatic scene in public Hiero takes us on a short trip to the place of separation. The house is looked after and things I had done remain, this is still very much mine and Hiero's house. Inside me, Min, and Hiero sit on the couch but I sit alone after Min clambers to sit with Hiero.
Hiero looks at me and then at Min and I see the questions and the pain at the possibilities he has probably come up with. Min beams under Hiero's glances making me feel immense guilt upon being the reason these two only just got to meet.
"Who's child is he?" Hiero breaks the silence with the hollow voice. "Where have you been? Why are you back? Are you staying or just visiting? Why?" Hiero asks when I don't answer right away.
"I thought you had died. I only hid him from you because I thought you never looked for me, I know I was selfish and ruthless to not even let you know," I start. I reach for my precious Min and he lets me hold him and shower him in affection. "He's your son. You can see how much he resembles you, he is too smart. I found out after I had waited and waited for you to find me but I saw you with that woman again and I couldn't bring myself to face you. Then I saw a news report declaring you dead and now I'll never watch the news again. I'm here to stay," I finish and cradle my son who has calmed down and listens intently to the words exchanged.
"Why did you hide him from me for so long?! He's half way through his childhood and I'll never be able to make up for the lost time. Is he really my son? Is he really your son?" Hiero asks angrily sounding defeated.
"He has you hair, eye shape, and your intelligence. He looks so much like you it scares me sometimes," I say in Min's defense. "Min is our child, an innocent child, this ridicule is unwise," I caution Hiero. "I named him on my own because I seriously thought you were dead. His name is Mieno Hiro De Janko, I call him Min because he could be your mini me," I explain and Min looks at me with a curious face.