Life never promises constant happiness. However, at the very least, destiny will provide reasons why everything should continue.
In the turning of time. In the changing of days. Alongside the ever-rolling moon.
One reason resurfaces. It appears, reinforcing the belief that this is how destiny works.
There are times when tears well up. There are times when anger blinds the eyes and rebels.
On the other hand, there is also laughter bursting forth. There is also joy overflowing, reminding us how priceless it all is.
Precious. Like the morning sunlight that falls again and warms the smile within Lucas’s embrace.
Gavin Hernandez greeted them two months ago. He was born healthy, lacking nothing. Plump and now enjoying the routines created by Lucas.
When the morning sun rises on weekends, Lucas spends time with Gavin. They enjoy moments filled with jokes and laughter that only they understand. It’s as if they have their own language for every secret that becomes their topic.
“So, shouldn’t you be grateful to Dad, Champ? If not for my cleverness, it seems we wouldn’t be together now.”
Lucas smiled widely as Gavin responded to each word with great enthusiasm. His mouth opened in a toothless smile, and his eyes sparkled. He responded with baby babble, feeling delighted to be spoken to by his father.
“What?”
Lucas furrowed his brow. He leaned down slightly so that his ear was closer to Gavin’s face.
The baby made abstract sounds again, while Lucas played the role of a mind reader. Apparently, he understood perfectly what Gavin was trying to say.
“Wait. So, you think I should be grateful to you?”
Gavin continued making sounds. This time, both of his hands went up in fists, as if he were a boxer ready to challenge Lucas.
“Because of you, Mom came back to me, right?”
Lucas squinted, his mouth closed. He showed a pensive expression and finally surrendered.
“It seems you’re right.”
Lucas laughed. Gavin did too. He lifted him up, and Lucas planted an affectionate kiss on Gavin’s cheek.
“So, Gavin,” Lucas said with deep emotion. His love was truly shining through. “Can we work together as men? You already know so many of my secrets.”
Gavin laughed. Of course, he did not understand what Lucas had been babbling about. But he laughed because he was happy.
“We have to keep each other’s secrets, okay?”
Gavin’s laughter grew louder. His gums were visible, and it did not take long for tears to well up at the corners of his eyes.
“I promise to buy you toy cars if you don’t spill these secrets. Deal?”
It was truly a hilarious one-sided conversation. It was no wonder that not only Lucas and Gavin laughed, but Velia as well.
Velia had just arrived a few seconds ago. She felt drawn to Lucas and Gavin’s continuous laughter. Curious, she approached them.
“What are you talking about?”
Lucas’s laughter paused. He turned and found Velia approaching. Her face looked fresh and radiant. Just like usual, a reflection of happiness.
“O-oh,” Lucas murmured, glancing at Gavin. The baby was still happily laughing. “Remember? This is our secret.”
Even without knowing what was actually happening, Velia reflexively laughed along. She reached out to take Gavin into her arms.
“Did Dad teach you how to lie?”
Lucas immediately defended himself. “It’s not a lie at all. In fact, you could say it’s honesty.”
“Um,” Velia hummed rhythmically. She took the opportunity to kiss Gavin. “What have you been telling him?”
“A few tricks to win the heart of the woman he loves. Something he’ll need in the future.”
Lucas’s casual response earned him an amused snort from Velia. She smiled playfully as she tickled Gavin’s nose.
“You’re quite something.”
Thinking that Lucas’s answer was just a joke, Velia completely failed to notice the wink he gave to Gavin. The baby laughed as if saying,
“Don’t worry, Dad. Your secret is safe with me.”
And so, Lucas’s laughter erupted again. Velia turned her head, puzzled.
“Why are you suddenly laughing?”
Lucas tried to stop his laughter, but it only escalated. Even when he shook his head, he could not stop laughing.
“There’s nothing… wrong.”
Velia narrowed her eyes, looking suspicious. But as Lucas burst into laughter even more, Velia became increasingly confused.
“What’s really going on?”
Lucas cleared his throat to calm his laughter. He took Gavin back into his arms and chuckled.
“There’s nothing. It’s just a secret between men.”
Velia stared in astonishment. “A secret between men?”
“Yes!” Lucas said firmly, shifting his attention to Gavin. “Isn’t that right, Champ?”
As if being on Lucas’s side, Gavin raised his fist again and laughed. Lucas burst into laughter even harder.
“Oh, my clever little boy.”
Both of Velia’s hands went up helplessly, and her eyes rolled lazily. She surrendered.
Velia decided not to ask any further when she realized that Lucas was actually enjoying her curiosity. Instead of pressing on, she decided to sit down. She would let Lucas spend time with their son.
Lucas did not have much free time due to his packed schedule. Therefore, he would make the most of his days off. Especially today.
Lucas never truly separated from Gavin throughout the day. They only parted when Lucas ate or took care of a few important matters. Afterwards, he would come back. Even when Gavin slept in his crib, Lucas would be nearby.
It did not feel like enough. It felt addictive. Even just watching Gavin sleep peacefully brought a sense of peace and happiness.
Again and again, Lucas was reassured that everything he and Velia had sacrificed had resulted in something good.
“He looks so much like you.”
Velia whispered into Lucas’s ear. He turned and found his wife looking at them alternately.
“There’s no difference at all. Even when he’s sleeping.”
Lucas was stunned. The way Velia looked at him and Gavin conveyed an immeasurable love.
“Is that a good thing?”
Velia’s gaze settled on Lucas. “Of course.”
More than good. Everything was beyond words. It could not be captured by any color.
Beautiful. Too magnificent.
In the end, both Velia and Lucas were once again convinced of one thing. That happiness will always exist, no matter how much suffering befalls.
There’s always a choice. To follow the full of hardships or the other way around. To compromise and forgive, holding hands.
Just like the choice Velia and Lucas made. They let go of vengeance and sorrow. They opened a new chapter with full confidence. As long as they were together, everything would be fine.
Everything would be okay. As long as they held on and never let go, everything would be okay.
Always and forever. It began and ended with the same thing.
Love.
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