Steven was surprised, looked at Steve, then looked at Catherine, waiting for confirmation.
Yes, Steven. He's your father.
Steve crouched to face Steven.
Steven stood still, looking at Steve.
Come here, son!
Steve pulled him and hugged him.
Steven hugged his father and was thrilled, with tears in his eyes.
I'm very happy to be your father, Steven.
Steven stroked Steve's face.
I love you daddy. Steven said.
Steve was also thrilled. He'd never heard that from John.
I love you too, son.
And where were you, Daddy? You didn't go to my birthday party and you also didn't go to see me sing at the daycare party.
Steve didn't expect that question.
How am I going to answer that question, Catherine?
Tell him the truth I'll leave you two alone for a bit. Catherine said, moving away.
No, Catherine. Come back here. Steve said.
Catherine was walking on the edge of the sea, wetting her feet in the water, letting the tears roll.
Like telling Steven that his father made a choice and he chose to have another family? She thought.
When they saw each other the last time, the day Catherine went to Hawaii to tell him about her pregnancy, he didn't even call her to find out what she wanted.
She knew she was wrong not to tell him about Steven. She should have insisted on telling him that day. But the disappointment in seeing him with another woman was so great that she gave up.
But even hurt by indifference, she put his name on her son. She knew there would come a day when Steven would want to meet his father, but she didn't know that Steven thought his father was dead.
Steve sat up and placed Steven in his lap.
Steven, forgive me for not go to your birthday party and for not go to see you sing. I didn't know, son. I didn't know you were born, if I had known, I would be there for sure. Steve said.
All right, Daddy. Steven said, but he was sad.
There are many things that have happened, but you're too small to understand, son. But I'm not going to miss any more of your birthday, ok?
Ok.
Steve kissed Steven's head.
Catherine was watching them from a distance.
Oh my God! How I love this man! I don't think I can ever love another person.
Steve stayed there talking to Steven for a while longer.
Catherine approached again and Steve saw that she had cried.
We need to go now. She said.
You know we need to talk. Steve told her.
I know. But it will not be in Steven's presence. Catherine said.
Steve nodded.
I just don't know how we're going to do this. Catherine said.
We'll find a way. Steve said.
Come on, son. Catherine said, reaching for Steven.
Steven took Catherine's hand and stretched out his other hand to Steve.
Come on, Daddy!
Your father can't come with us, son. Catherine said, heartbroken.
Because? Steven asked.
Did not I tell you that there are things that you are too small to understand? Steve said to the boy.
Yes you did.
So that's one of them. I can't go with you, but I'll see you tomorrow. OK?
Okay, Daddy.
Give me one last hug.
Steve hugged him and kissed him.
Good night son. Go with your mother now.
Steven was with Catherine, but all the time he looked back and waved to Steve.
Oh, Catherine! I wish I could go back in time! Steve said, thinking aloud.