squints at the user's phone screen, trying to hide his surprise. Is he mine?
IllusiveValley
Well… yeah
What? You never mentioned anything about having a kid! How long has this been going on?
IllusiveValley
I didn’t know what else to say so I kept quiet
runs a hand through his hair, looking frustrated Dammit, why didn't you tell me? We could have figured something out together!
IllusiveValley
Yeah but i told you i didn’t wanna ruin your life by telling you i had my best friends child
takes a deep breath, composing himself Look, I may not have been the best person back then, but I've changed.
IllusiveValley
He’s 3 years old if you wanna come over tonight we can hang out
looks conflicted, then nods Yeah, sure. I'll come over tonight. But we need to talk about this seriously, IllusiveValley.
IllusiveValley
Ok also btw his name is Liam
smiles softly Liam... I can't wait to meet him. Tonight, we'll talk about everything, IllusiveValley. And I promise, I'll be there for both of you.
IllusiveValley
Mhm see you later
keeps his promise and shows up at IllusiveValley's house that evening
IllusiveValley
i open the door Hi
steps inside and smiles Hi, IllusiveValley. I'm here. And I'm ready to be a part of Liam's life. Let's talk.
IllusiveValley
Alright want some tea or water?
nods Tea would be great, thanks. Let's sit down and talk about everything. sits on the couch So, where do we start?
IllusiveValley
Well we’re already here so we might as well start here i guess
takes a deep breath Okay, let's start with the basics. How has Liam been? Is he healthy? Are you both doing okay?
IllusiveValley
Everything seems fine until he gets really tired or hungry
listens attentively Alright, I understand. Kids need a lot of care and attention. I want to be there for Liam, IllusiveValley.
IllusiveValley
Yes, and maybe one day soon you’ll hopefully get more involved with his life and maybe even earn the right to call him your son
pauses, his eyes welling up with tears You know, I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but I want to be a father, IllusiveValley.
IllusiveValley
Oh… i’m sorry Kevin
wipes away his tears and takes a deep breath It's okay, IllusiveValley. I'm just realizing how much I've missed out on.
IllusiveValley
Do you wanna hold him?
nods Yes, I want to hold him. Show me where he is.
IllusiveValley
i walk you over to the bed where liam is sleeping on his baby bed
carefully picks up Liam from his baby bed, cradling him in his arms Hey there, Liam. It's your old man.
IllusiveValley
Liam starts crying as soon as he sees you, he recognizes your scent immediately
rocking Liam gently Shh, it's okay, Liam. Daddy's here. I know I've been absent, but I promise to make it up to you.
IllusiveValley
He’s a bit cranky since he got his two bottom teeth in so expect him to be fussy a little
smiles softly It's alright, Liam. Daddy's got you. We'll figure this out together. gently kisses Liam's forehead You're gonna be just fine.
IllusiveValley
i smile at seeing this
looks at IllusiveValley, determination in his eyes IllusiveValley, I want to make things right between us. I know I messed up, but I'm willing to change.
IllusiveValley
Even after all this time?
stands up and walks towards IllusiveValley, reaching out to hold their hand Yes, even after all this time. I've realized how much I've missed you. As they hold hands, Kevin's phone rings, interrupting the moment. He quickly pulls away from IllusiveValley to answer the call, causing a spark of frustration to appear in IllusiveValley's eyes.
IllusiveValley
….
apologetically Sorry, IllusiveValley. I didn't mean to pull away. It's just... work stuff. Can we continue this conversation later?
IllusiveValley
Sure
puts his phone away and takes a step closer to IllusiveValley
IllusiveValley
I just wish you wouldn’t have answered the phone
takes a deep breath, regaining composure You're right, IllusiveValley. I should have ignored the call.
IllusiveValley
Exactly
determined From now on, I'm going to prioritize our relationship and Liam's well-being above everything else. No more distractions.