PART 4: The home that suddenly had room for one more
Ethan’s apartment had always felt a little too big for just him and Lily.
That evening, it felt exactly the right size.
Noah sat on the couch in an old T-shirt Ethan had given him. Lily had insisted on giving him her favorite blanket. The three of them ate dinner together — simple pasta that Ethan cooked while trying not to stare at his son every two seconds.
After Lily went to bed, Ethan sat with Noah in the living room.
He showed him old photos on his phone — pictures from years ago when he was younger, smiling with friends, standing in front of buildings he had built.
Noah pointed at one.
“That’s the blue suit from the photo.”
Ethan nodded.
“I wore it the day your mom told me she was leaving. I didn’t understand why back then.”
He paused.
“Noah… I want to do the right thing. I want to be in your life. But only if you want that too. We can take it slow. We can do DNA tests if you want. Whatever makes you feel safe.”
Noah was quiet for a long time.
Then he said something that made Ethan’s eyes burn.
“Mom always said that even if you didn’t know about me, you would still love me if you found out. She said you had kind eyes.”
Ethan had to look away for a moment.
May you like
When he spoke again, his voice was thick.
“I would like to try, Noah. I would really like to try.”
