The next day, Steve woke up in a hangover.
He sat down on the couch and put his hands on his head.
Marcy was coming down the stairs with John. She was going to take him to school.
Good morning, Steve. You slept well, there on the couch?
Good morning, Marcy. Good morning, John.
Good Morning. John answered.
Come on, John. Marcy said.
Marcy, wait. Steve said.
What is it, Steve? Are you going to tell me about your stay at the bar?
I don't want to argue, Marcy. I was thinking we could travel together, me and you and John. I'll talk to the Governor and ask for a month's vacation.
It's all right. Choose a good place. She said, leaving.
John! Steve called.
What, Father?
Give me a hug, son.
John came over and Steve hugged him.
Good class, son.
Thank you. John said, leaving.
Steve remembered the call he received from Catherine's phone. He checked the phone to make sure he hadn't dreamed.
It was really her number. Steve said in a low voice.
I hope you're happier than I'm, Cath. I really hope.
Steve got up, took a shower, and went to work.
Marcy left John at school and then went shopping. She was walking down the street when someone called her.
Marcy!
She turned to look who was calling her.
Michael?
Hey, Marcy. Good to see you. What are you doing here in Hawaii? Michael asked as he hugged her.
I'm living here.
Seriously? Can we talk, have coffee? Michael asked.
Why not? Let's go. Marcy said.
Michael was married and had an extramarital relationship with Marcy.
When his wife got sick, he had remorse and ended his relationship with Marcy. And it was at this point in her life that Marcy met Steve.
Steve was at a crime scene when he got a phone call from John's school. Marcy had not gone to pick him up at school. Steve left work to go to school because Marcy didn't answer the phone.
John was sat alone in the schoolyard.
Steve apologized to the Principal.
Come on, John? Steve said, reaching for him.
Where is Mom? John asked.
I don't know, son. Come on, let's go.
John got up and went with Steve.
Steve was with John at home when Marcy arrived.
Where were you Marcy? Steve asked.
I went to the doctor, Steve. I'm sorry, I forget picking up John at school.
And why didn't you call me? He was alone there.
Marcy hugged John.
Forgive me, son.
It's okay, Mom. John said, hugging her.
I need to get back to work. Steve said, leaving.
This isn't going to happen anymore, my son. I promise. Marcy said.
On Friday, Catherine went to daycare, picked up little Steve, and went home.
Our vacation is here, son! We're going to have a wonderful vacation!
Wow! Wow! Wow! Little Steve said, jumping with joy.
Catherine smiled.
Catherine and her son arrived at the resort on Sunday.
Mommy! Here is very beautiful!
Yes, Steve. Is really beautiful. And there is our bungalow. Catherine said, pointing to a bungalow that was a little further ahead of them.
At night, Catherine and little Steve went to the Resort's restaurant for dinner and then returned to the bungalow. Catherine was tired, but the boy was euphoric and wanted to play with the ball Catherine had bought him.
Steve, Marcy and John arrived at the resort and were also dining.
After dinner Marcy couldn't keep silent.
Is it serious, Steve? We leave an island to come to another island? We leave our house to spend a month in a bungalow? I don't know if I can handle this. Marcy said irritably.
I'd rather go to Disney. John said.
I can never please you both. It is a magnificent island. I spent an amount of money what couldn't for the three of us spend time together. But you two don't value anything I do. Steve blew out.
Let's go back to the bungalow because I'm very tired of. Marcy said.
Steve and Marcy walked while John ran ahead.
John saw a ball coming toward him and picked it up.
Little Steve ran after his ball and went to John.
Hi. It's my ball.
I found the ball. It's mine now. John said.
Steve and Marcy approached and saw the boys arguing.
What is going on? Steve asked.
I found this ball, Dad. John said.
But the ball is mine. Little Steve said.
John, return his ball, son.
No, father. I found the ball. The ball is mine now. John said.
It's not yours, John. Steve said, losing his patience with John's stubbornness.
It's all right. I'm going to ask Mom to buy me another ball. Little Steve said, sadly.
No. That's not fair. Steve said, taking the ball out of John's hand.
Steve, don't do this to my son! Marcy said, annoyed with Steve's attitude.
I hate you! John shouted at Steve.
Come on, John. Marcy said, taking him to the bungalow.
John's words hurt Steve. He sat down on the sidewalk, upset.
Little Steve stood there, staring at Steve.
Take your ball. Steve said to him.
Thank you.
What is your name? Steve asked.
My name is Steven. But Mommy calls me Steve.
Steve smiled.
Steven is a beautiful name. My name is Steven too, but everyone calls me Steve. I'm going to call you Steven, okay?
Yes. The boy answered.
Sit down here, Steven. Steve said, indicating a place beside him on the sidewalk.
Steven sat down, holding his ball.
My son said he hates me. It hurts to hear that. Never say that to your father, Steven.
Steven looked sadly at Steve.
I don't have a father, but if I had a daddy I would say that I love him.
I'm so sorry, Steven. But I'm sure your mother loves you very much.
Steve kissed the boy's head, making him very happy.
Now go home, Steven. Your mother must be worried about you.
Goodbye. Said the boy, getting up.
Goodbye. See you around, Steven.
Catherine was behind the curtains at the window and watched everything with emotion.