Theo was playing by the window, humming a song that only he knew, when a new wave of early morning light streamed through the curtains, bathing him in a gentle glow. As I watched him, I felt a twinge of happiness and protection that only parents can comprehend. Logan's words from our conversation yesterday, with all of their unspoken promises and regrets, kept playing back in my head.
Since time had thickened my skin, I believed I had constructed walls high enough to withstand Logan's presence. My carefully crafted world was starting to fall apart, though, knowing that he was so close and painfully aware of the son he didn't know. How could I allow him into Theo's life without upsetting our fragile harmony?
A knock came softly from the door as I turned back to the washbasin. Before I could steady myself and call over my shoulder, "Stay here, sweetheart," my heart gave an uncontrollable jump. Mommy will return shortly.
I took a deep breath and opened the door to see Logan standing there, wearing a fitted shirt and dark jeans after taking a shower. His face had a reserved tenderness to it, as though he was just as uncertain about this encounter as I was.
He held up a bag from the neighbourhood bakery and said, "I thought I could bring some breakfast." For Theo. as well as you.
I felt compelled to ignore him and keep my distance from him. At least Theo deserved this much. Even though I was completely terrified, he deserved to have the opportunity to get to know his father.
Reluctantly, I took a step back and said, "Come in."
Logan walked in, his presence adding an unaccustomed tension to the cramped room. Theo's face lit up with unbridled joy as he looked up from his toys. "Logan! You're present!
The harshness and regret I had previously witnessed instantly vanished from Logan's face, leaving behind a more vulnerable expression. Theo ran to him without hesitation, and he knelt down, reaching out his arms. The bond between them was evident even in silence as I held my breath and watched them embrace.
Logan whispered, "Hey, buddy," as he tousled Theo's hair. "I brought you something." According to your mother, you enjoy chocolate croissants.
Theo's eyes glistened. "I adore them! However, Mommy always warns me not to have too many.
With a quick, sheepish look in my direction, Logan laughed. "Good rule. So how about just one?
As they took their seats at the kitchen table, I made some tea while closely observing them and battling my heart. Logan was softer and gentler with Theo than he had ever been with me, and his manner had changed. Observing them was painful because it was a bittersweet reminder of what might have been.
With his eyes warm and fixed on Theo, Logan asked, "So, do you like living here?"
Theo nodded while contentedly consuming his croissant. Indeed! We have picnics at the park when Mommy takes me there. She also reads stories to me every night!
Logan gave me a tiny, appreciative smile. "That sounds fantastic. You must be extremely fortunate to have her.
Theo smiled with pride. "Mommy is the greatest. She is also very strong. I can get a lot of lifts from her! He mimicked the gesture by raising his arms.
"Well, you must also be strong," Logan remarked admiringly. "After all, you are my son."
Simple and innocent, the words took on a weight I hadn't expected when they landed in my chest. Even though I was afraid to let Logan in, I couldn't help but notice how happy Theo was to have him around.
Logan went on, looking at me warily, "so, would it be alright if I accompanied you two to the park later? Perhaps we could get together more often.
Theo's face brightened, but he asked me if he could. The innocent gesture made me feel something. It was a straightforward request, and I could give Theo a small present.
Keeping my doubts to myself, I said, "That sounds... fine." "But only for today."
Logan nodded, comprehending the nuanced boundary I had established. "Thank you, Aria."
---
The park was silent that morning, with only the slight sound of leaves rustling and Theo's laughter breaking the stillness as he ran ahead, Logan following him with wildly inflated steps. I followed in their wake, observing them from afar, uncertain of the direction this new dynamic was taking us. I was surprised to find myself feeling both happy that Theo was laughing and afraid of what this could all mean.
Logan eventually picked Theo up and twirled him around until their laughter merged and filled the open area with a happiness I hadn't witnessed in a long time. I had once dreamed of this scene, a reality that had seemed so far away. It felt as brittle as glass now that it was here.
With a soft pat on the head, Logan put Theo down and walked back over. "You have more energy than I think I've ever seen in a person, kiddo."
Leaning against Logan's leg, Theo laughed. I'm like a little wolf, according to my mother. She claims that one day I will be as large and powerful as she is.
Logan's eyes softened, and I noticed a glimmer of remorse on his face. "You know what? I believe your mother is correct.
Unwilling to let the moment pass without addressing it, I cleared my throat. Why don't you spend some time playing on the swings, Theo? I must speak with Logan.
With a nod, he started running in the direction of the playground. Logan's expression was serious as he looked at me. "I am aware of what you will say."
"Do you?" I looked away and answered, my voice hardly steady as I crossed my arms. "You believe that you can simply enter and act like a father figure and then leave whenever it's convenient for you?"
Logan's face became stern. Aria, that's not what I want. I made an error, a serious one. Now I see that. I don't want to be merely a supporting character in Theo's life. I'd like to be his dad.
I retorted, my annoyance leaking out, "That's easy to say, but it's not that simple." "You can't imagine what it's been like to raise him by yourself. And you want to be a father now, after all these years? You realise how unjust that is to him? To me?
Logan's mouth clenched, but he kept his eyes fixed on you. "I am aware that I have a lot to make up. I'm not leaving, though. I'll go to any lengths to support Theo. Aria, I will demonstrate it to you.
To let go of the pain and fear I had carried for so long, I wanted to believe him. However, the injuries were too severe. Logan, proving it to me is one thing. Another is proving it to Theo. You can't just promise something and hope it works out.
With a steady gaze, he nodded slowly. "I recognise that. However, I'm requesting a chance—a chance to prove to you both my sincerity.
I averted my gaze, my determination faltering. Though trust was difficult for me after everything I had been through, I could see the sincerity in his eyes. "Logan, this won't be simple. I will also not allow you to harm him. Never again.
His eyes softened as he nodded. Aria, I won't harm him. If I have to, I will prove that for the rest of my life.
The world seemed to stop for a moment as a slight breeze rustled the leaves around us. The universe seemed to be holding its breath, anticipating how this tenuous truce would turn out. We could hear Theo laughing in the distance, and it made me realise how much was on the queue.
I inhaled deeply as I considered the consequences of my choice. "All right," I muttered. "You can begin by fulfilling your promise to be there for him. But Logan, if you make one mistake, it's over. No second chances.
Logan nodded as his face softened and his eyes took on a resolve I had never seen in his eyes. Aria, thank you. I'll gain both your and Theo's trust. Whatever is necessary.
I felt a glimmer of hope as we made our way back towards Theo, something I hadn't let myself experience in a while. Even though it was hardly noticeable, I decided to take a chance. And perhaps, just possibly, it was sufficient to start the healing process.