▸ t w e n t y
Reminiscence
“Mama, I saw you and Uncle Luhan kissing last night." My eyes widened in an instant upon hearing my son's confession. I was speechless for a moment as I tucked him to bed. I couldn't find any words to say. It was like I've gulped my tongue down my throat. "Are you dating Uncle Luhan, Mama?" He asked. This time, I tried to gather up some words to answer him.
"Yes, HaeSeok-ah." I told him. "Mama didn't mean to keep it as a secret. I'm planning to tell you sooner but then you already know now. Mama is sorry, HaeSeok-ah." I caressed his hair as I looked into his eyes.
He shook his head. "I'm not angry, Mama. But what about Papa Minseok?"
"Hmm? What about him?"
"He will not get mad?"
"Why would he? HaeSeok-ah, Papa Minseok and I are no longer together. Remember what I've told you? He's already married." I said.
"Yes, I know. But didn't his wife went to heaven already? Why can't you be together, Mama?" He asked innocently and I nearly cried. "I'm not saying that I don't like Uncle Luhan, he's a great uncle and I like him. But what about Papa?"
I sighed as I sat on his bed. "HaeSeok, Papa and I will never be together. Like married couples. All we could is to be friends with each other just for you, HaeSeok-ah. Papa still loves his wife and I also wouldn't want to replace her in his heart. She owns a place and—"
"And you don't?"
"Exactly." I told him with a small smile on my face. "Even though we're not going to be together, he will always be your father. No one could ever take his place. Papa Minseok will always be your papa, even if we are not married. I, on the other hand, must find a way to be happy. Don't I deserve to be happy, HaeSeok-ah?" I asked. HaeSeok answered me with a smile that showed me he got what I mean.
"You deserve to be happy, Mama." He told me. I smiled back as I kissed him on the forehead.
"Now, go to sleep. You'll be seeing your father tomorrow morning so you must sleep early."
"Goodnight, Mama."
"Goodnight, baby. Sweet dreams." I kissed him on the cheek as I turned off the lamp on his bedside table. I went out of his room and headed to mine. I was tired and exhausted from today's work so I don't have to worry about drifting to sleep. I laid down on the bed and closed my eyes. Soon enough, I was drifted to sleep.
I don't know what happened but the fire alarm suddenly filled the night my eyes immediately shot open. I looked at the clock, it was already twelve in the middle of the night. I've fallen asleep for three hours.
The fire alarm didn't stop.
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