In a strange, abandoned lab room, a baby was born. The mother, with droplets of sweat running down her face, starts panting after giving birth.

The doctor, holding the baby in her arm, said to the mother, "Wow, what a cute baby boy.''

The mother replied, ''Can I hold him?''

"Yes, of course,'' responded the nurse as she handed the young baby boy into the mother's arms.

After receiving the infant, the mother noted that the baby boy wailed only briefly after birth. But she ignores her curiosity and expresses gratitude for her first child.

A young scientific lady stands behind the door, remaining in the shadows. However, she acknowledged that her assistance had resulted in the child's safe birth.

Meanwhile, the mother was happy. The father was not there to accompany her and her child.

***************

''Yup, that's me, a baby boy with a joyful mother. Well, for my father. Let's skip to the part where I became five years old.''

During the hours, the mother provides dinner for Keagen. While the father was busy gathering his gear to hunt down vampires, ''You know, I don't feel comfortable with this, Largen,'' said Sillia.

''I know, but the king gave me a solid offer, and I don't see the option of turning it down, Sillia. Just think about it for a bit? A ransom of $50,000 gold and a home to settle in comfortably once I killed those bloodthirsty beast. Don't you think that's a good deal for us?'' Largen explained.

''Actually, I don't care about the king's offer. All I know is that your son needs you, and I need you. There must be some other way than getting yourself killed?'' replied Sillia.

''[Sigh.] Sillia, I know you don't want me to hurt your kind and for me to meet a horrible end, which that's impossible, but...I don't think—'' said Largen, being concerned about her worries, but was suddenly abruptly interrupted by his wife before finishing his sentence.

''No, no buts, Largen. And also, I don't care if you harm those greedy evil vampires. But, bear in mind, not all are evil. Take me for example, who became what I am now with the help of you who constantly stood by my side,'' Sillia explained.

Largen smiled, then picked up his bag and replied, ''I know, and to be honest, I think I was lucky in winning your heart, but anyways. My group of hunters is waiting for me outside. I shall go before the evening comes.

Sillia looked at her son, enjoying the food she made, as Largen turned to his son and said, ''Keagen, my dare son, I'm sorry for not being there for you back then.''

''Keagen stopped eating, looked up to his father, and responded, ''Well, it's okay; my mother always told me that you'd be back someday, even on my birthdays, so I kept that hope.''

''And here I am, as your wish came true. But right now, even after the three days I've been with you and your mother, I have to go again. I hope you understand?'' replied Largen.

Keagen hung his head down in disappointment.

Largen, seeing his son in dismay, walked towards him and rubbed his head. ''Don't you worry, my dare boy. Once I come back, I promise. I won't miss out on your birthdays anymore.

Keagen raised his head to his father, hopeful about what he had informed him. "Okay, father, that's a promise."

Largen smiled at his kid, hugged him tightly, and responded, ''Of course, my boy, I will keep that in mind. Also, could you please watch over your mother for me while I'm away?

"Yes, father, I will," Keagen said confidently.

***********

''Honestly, I was so happy that day when my father told me those hopeful promises. And, still, even as a teenager, I am still waiting on his return.''