Chapter 9 - THE TWO YEARS I COULD NEVER GET BACK
Victor went to prison.
My mother resigned from every company position.
Amelia became part of our family.
And Prince stayed with Zara.
I didn't rush anything.
I didn't demand forgiveness.
I didn't try to become a father overnight.
I learned.
How Prince liked his pancakes.
Which books made him laugh.
Why he hated broccoli.
Why his stuffed elephant was named Theodore.
Why thunderstorms scared him.
And every night, I told him the same thing.
“You are loved.”
One evening, he asked:
“Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Why didn't you live with us before?”
I froze.
Zara looked at me.
I sat beside him.
“Because I made a mistake.”
“What mistake?”
“I believed something that wasn't true.”
“About me?”
“Yes.”
He thought for a moment.
“Are you sorry?”
“Yes.”
“Really sorry?”
“More than you know.”
He hugged me.
“Okay.”
I laughed through tears.
“Okay?”
“Yep.”
Children were merciful in ways adults rarely were.
Later that night, Zara found me on the balcony.
“You're a good father.”
I looked at her.
“I should have been there.”
“You can't change that.”
“I know.”
“But you can change what comes next.”
I smiled.
“Do you still hate me?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
“Do you trust me?”
She hesitated.
“I'm learning.”
I nodded.
“That’s enough.”
She stepped closer.
“Justin.”
“Yes?”
“I never stopped loving you.”
My heart stopped.
“I never stopped either.”
She kissed me.
Not like the woman from two years ago.
Like the woman who had survived everything.
When we separated, she whispered:
“Don't make me regret this.”
“I won't.”
Behind us, a sleepy voice appeared.
“Are you kissing?”
We turned.
Prince stood in the doorway.
I laughed.
“Yes.”
He frowned.
“Gross.”
Zara burst out laughing.
May you like
And for the first time, our family felt whole.
---
