Isaac's 28th birthday was a day he had been looking forward to for months. All he wanted was a simple, intimate celebration with his husband Nick and his mother-in-law, Remi. The three of them gathered in the cozy living room of their home, where the scent of freshly baked cake filled the air. Remi had outdone herself, preparing Isaac's favorite dishes, and the table was set with a beautiful spread. Laughter and conversation flowed easily as they reminisced about past birthdays and shared stories from their lives. Isaac felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love as he looked at the two people who meant the most to him. Suddenly, the phone rang, and Nick answered. It was Isaac's dad, calling to wish him a happy birthday. Isaac's heart swelled with emotion as he heard his father's voice, but the tone quickly changed. His dad's voice grew louder and more intense, "When were you gonna tell me you were married?" he yelled. The room fell silent, the joy of the moment replaced by tension. Isaac took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He had always known this conversation would come, but he hadn't expected it to happen on his birthday. He explained to his dad that he had wanted to tell him in person, to share the news in a way that felt right. The call ended on a strained note, leaving Isaac feeling a mix of relief and sadness. Despite the unexpected turn, Nick and Remi rallied around him, offering their support and love. They spent the rest of the evening trying to lift his spirits, reminding him that he was surrounded by people who cared deeply for him. The day had not gone exactly as planned, but it was still a reminder of the importance of family, love, and the strength to face difficult conversations.
Isaac's dad was at the door, his presence a dark shadow from the past. Remi and Nick exchanged worried glances, unsure of what to expect. "You're back in town? You've been married for 10 years to a man. What the hell is up with you, Dad?" Isaac's voice was a mix of confusion and anger. The years of absence had done nothing to heal the wounds of their past. His dad's eyes flashed with anger, and before anyone could react, he lunged at Isaac, his fists flying. The memories of childhood beatings came rushing back as Isaac tried to defend himself, but the blows landed hard and fast.
Remi's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the scene unfold. She couldn't stand by and let this happen again. Summoning all her strength, she grabbed Isaac's dad by the arm, trying to pull him away. "Stop it! Leave him alone!" she shouted, her voice filled with desperation. But Isaac's dad was relentless, his rage blinding him to everything else. He kicked and hit Isaac with a ferocity that was terrifying to witness.
Nick, frozen for a moment by the shock of it all, finally sprang into action. He rushed forward, helping Remi to pull Isaac's dad away. Together, they managed to drag him towards the door. "Get out!" Remi screamed, her voice breaking. Isaac's dad stumbled, his eyes wild with fury, but Remi didn't give him a chance to recover. She shoved him out the door with all her might, slamming it shut and locking it behind him.
The room was filled with the heavy sound of Isaac's breathing, each breath a painful reminder of the attack. Nick knelt beside him, his face pale with worry. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice trembling. Isaac nodded weakly, though every part of him ached. Remi joined them, her hands shaking as she reached out to touch Isaac's arm. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. Isaac managed a faint smile, grateful for their support. "It's not your fault," he said softly, wincing as he tried to sit up. "Thank you for helping me."
The three of them sat in the aftermath, the tension slowly ebbing away. Isaac's mind was a whirlwind of emotions—pain, anger, sadness, and a deep sense of betrayal. But amidst the turmoil, there was also a glimmer of hope. He wasn't alone. He had Nick and Remi, and their unwavering support gave him the strength to face whatever came next. As they helped him to his feet, Isaac knew that this was just the beginning. There would be difficult conversations and healing to be done, but together, they would find a way forward. The scars of the past would not define him; with Nick and Remi by his side, he would build a future free from the shadows of his father's violence.
Isaac's dad was laying drunk in the front yard, his voice slurred and filled with venom as he screamed about Isaac being a disappointment. The words cut deep, reopening old wounds that had never fully healed. Remi, her face set with determination, decided to handle the situation. She couldn't let this go on any longer. "Stay here," she told Isaac firmly, her eyes flashing with anger. Nick was beside Isaac, gently cleaning his bloody nose. He gave Isaac a reassuring kiss on the forehead, his touch a soothing balm to the pain.
Remi stepped outside, the night air cool against her skin. Isaac's dad was a pitiful sight, sprawled on the grass, his anger and alcohol making him a dangerous combination. "What are you doing here?" Remi demanded, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Why do you keep doing this to him?" Isaac's dad sneered, his eyes bloodshot and unfocused. "He's a disappointment! Always has been, always will be!" he shouted, his words a cruel echo of the past.
Remi's patience snapped. "You don't get to talk about him like that!" she yelled back, her voice rising in anger. "You have no idea how much he's been through because of you!" The two of them stood there, screaming at one another, their voices carrying through the night. Inside, Nick continued to tend to Isaac, his touch gentle and careful. "You're going to be okay," he murmured, pressing another kiss to Isaac's forehead. "We'll get through this together."
Isaac, his heart heavy with the weight of his father's words, felt a flicker of hope at Nick's touch. He knew he wasn't alone. He had Nick and Remi, and their love and support meant everything to him. Outside, the argument reached a fever pitch. "You need to leave!" Remi shouted, her voice shaking with emotion. "You're not welcome here anymore!" Isaac's dad, his anger finally spent, stumbled to his feet, swaying unsteadily. "Fine," he muttered, his voice bitter. "But this isn't over."
Remi watched as he staggered away, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. She turned and went back inside, her eyes meeting Nick's. "Is he okay?" she asked, her voice softening. Nick nodded, giving her a small smile. "He's going to be fine," he said, his voice filled with conviction. Isaac looked up at them, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice breaking. "For everything."
The three of them sat together, the tension slowly easing. They knew there would be more challenges ahead, but they also knew they could face them together. The scars of the past would always be there, but with Nick and Remi by his side, Isaac felt a newfound strength. They would build a future together, one filled with love and support, free from the shadows of his father's cruelty. As the night wore on, they held each other close, finding comfort in their shared bond and the promise of better days to come.