Eugene was at a loss for words momentarily. “So, Mommy and Uncle are great, but not Daddy?” The slow-motioned North blinked his eyes before nodding. “Hmm! Because he abandoned Mommy and I.
Hearing that, Eugene felt bitter from the bottom of his heart. Everyone thought that North was a clever and understanding boy, but it was only because circumstances made him to.
Suddenly, Eugene felt himself owing a lot to them, especially North. He made a detour to return to the front of North before grabbing his hand. “It’s my fault. I lost you and Mommy. It’s my fault to have you wandering around fatherless for so many years.” Staring at Eugene, North suddenly burst into tears while punching Eugene lightly. “You’re a bad Daddy!”
At that moment, Eugene could feel his heart tearing apart. He hurriedly pulled the boy into his arms and soothed, “Yeah, I am. I promise that I will never lose you guys again. I promise that I will love you forever, okay?” A crying North nestled in Eugene’s arms for at while until he nodded lightly. “Okay.”
Eugene caressed the little boy’s hair. “So, could you forgive Daddy?” North pondered. “Okay, I’ll forgive you because of Mommy.” A smile appeared across Eugene’s lips. “Because of her?”
“Because she likes you!” answered North listlessly. “Then, do you not like me?” Eugene questioned. North responded pridefully, “You’re not bad.” Eugene found that answer to be hilarious. “But Daddy likes you the most.”
“No, you must like Mommy the most!”
“Hmm, I like you and Mommy the best.” Olivia, who sat beside them, shed tears in silence. If North was not drunk, he would neither be this naughty nor blurt out his genuine thoughts.
The absence of paternal love during those seven years could never be compensated for. It was not only Eugene’s fault, but it was her fault too. Eugene kept hugging the boy and rocked his body lightly until North gradually drifted into dreamland with tears at the corner of his eyes. The yellow light illuminated the room with warmth.
“Put him down, Olivia suggested while positioning the pillow. After Eugene tucked the boy in bed and put the blanket over him, she said, “Go ahead with your meal. I’ll stay with him.” Eugene questioned, “Are you done with yours?”
“Yeah. Go ahead. Hayden is still outside. It must have been a hard day for him,” she answered. “Okay. I’ll come back after getting him drunk,” responded Eugene. She chuckled. “What for?”
“He won’t think if he sleeps,” Eugene explained and kissed on her lips. “Olivia, come when North falls asleep.” She put on a wary expression. “I’m gonna stay here with North.” The man, who intended to leave, seated himself again as he felt the need to straighten things out. “Why? Aren’t we going to share the room?”
“North is drunk. I should take care of him.”
He took advantage of that feeble excuse. “I’m drunk too.” She held in her laughter. “Go get your mommy, then.” He went speechless as he pinched her nose. “I’m not fooling around.”
She patted his hand away and covered her face. while glaring at him. “Get out.”
“Only if you promise me that we’ll share the same room,” he insisted.
