As I watched Kevin Branch drive calmly through the familiar streets, I was a bit surprised.
“How do you know my address?”
“Anders woke up and was anxious to find you. When you weren’t home, it wasn’t convenient for me to take him with me, so I brought him back here first.”
I nodded, thinking I should check on Anders when I got home.
“Don’t worry, Anders is recovering well.”
“I owe you one for this. Once I find a job, I’ll treat you to a meal!”
Just thinking about how life had cast me aside made me sigh involuntarily.
“I remember back in college you loved design. Maybe this is fate?”
“My parents wanted me to study finance so I could take over their small company, but I ended up offending someone, and the company had to be used to pay off debts.”
Suddenly, everything clicked for me, and I excitedly grabbed his arm, shaking it.
“Maybe it really is fate!”
As soon as I got home, a little bundle of joy rushed into my arms, and I could smell the faint scent of something delicious in the air.
“Mommy, you’re back just in time! I just finished making soup!”
I squatted down and pinched his cheek, but before I could say anything, Kevin beat me to it.
“Your mom got soaked in the rain. Let her change her clothes first, or she’ll get sick.”
“I’ll help serve the soup, and we’ll wait for your mom in the dining room.”
“Okay!”
The way the two of them were in sync left me a little confused. Since when did they get along so well?
“Thank you.”
After I changed my clothes and dried my hair, I came out to find the two of them sitting in the dining room. I couldn’t help but think, if only it were Larry Tate sitting there instead.
But I immediately shook my head to dismiss the thought.
How could I even compare Kevin Branch to that scumbag?
After dinner, Anders eagerly took on the task of washing the dishes.
Taking the opportunity, I asked Kevin for advice on which hearing aids would be best for Anders. I didn’t want Anders to hear this, as it might hurt his self-esteem.
“Actually, Anders’ condition might be something that can improve over time.”
“My skills aren’t quite there yet, but I can ask one of my friends for help.”
“Really?”
“Thank you so much!”
As I watched Anders’ small figure busily moving around in the kitchen, I felt a pang of guilt. I hadn’t done enough for him.
Just then, my phone rang. I smiled apologetically. “I need to take this call.”
It was a high school classmate, informing me about a class reunion tomorrow night.
I was about to refuse when she said, “You’ve been abroad for the past few years. We added this extra event just to see you.”
“Bring Larry Tate along with you!”
“Alright, see you tomorrow.”
Maybe this was my chance to finally cut ties with Larry Tate once and for all.
After thinking it over for a moment, I called out to Anders, who had just finished up in the kitchen and was about to play with Kevin.
“Do you think Mommy’s last name sounds nice?”
“Yes! Mommy is pretty too!”
“Would you like to have Mommy’s last name? From now on, you’ll be Anders Cooper.”