They were on their first vacation since her husband’s passing. Everything felt peaceful… until her son squinted at a couple nearby and gasped, “Mom, look — that man looks just like Dad!” Her breath caught as she turned to see what he meant
James chased after her. Emily sat with her unfinished cocktail. A week ago, she couldn’t have imagined where this long-awaited vacation would lead. «After this trip, I’ll need another,» she thought, smiling.
Yet, strangely, she felt calm. James was alive—a fact she couldn’t ignore. He was a traitor and a liar, but he was alive.
She stood and headed outside. A walk in the fresh air seemed perfect. The hotel courtyard was empty; everyone was either in their rooms or at bars. She breathed in the warm evening air, feeling lighter.
Walking through the garden, she spotted James on a bench.
«Judging by your face, you didn’t catch her,» Emily said with a smile, sitting beside him.
«I did… but she left. For good this time, I think,» James replied quietly, head down.
«She’s packing her stuff now,» he added with a heavy sigh.
«Why did you even bother with that drama? You two couldn’t go a minute without fighting. I heard your arguments every night.»
«I don’t know what kept me with her. She’s young, and I’m… not anymore. I wanted something new, some fresh energy, fun.»
«Did you have fun?» Emily asked, a hint of sarcasm.
«Yeah, right,» James said, waving a hand sadly.
«Look, I’m not here to lecture you. You know your mistakes. But don’t you feel sorry for yourself? At some point, you lost your life.»
«What do you mean?»
«Look at it. You spent your life chasing money. Got threats, had to fake your death. Chased personal happiness—ended up with a loud, naive girl. You’re not old, but you’re fainting from hangovers. Why? Where did it get you?»
«I’ve asked myself that a lot lately. Always found excuses. Money? Never enough. It’s freedom, security. But it backfired. Relationships? New energy, young blood… supposed to bring joy, strength. Another miss. I’m lost, Emily.»
«But you put yourself there. This self-pity drags you down further. It doesn’t help—it destroys. Real self-pity should be different.»
«Yes, I messed up, but I’m strong enough to admit it and start over, rebuild my life.»
«It won’t be easy, but it’s better than what you’re doing now.»
Emily hadn’t noticed her anger fading. Before her sat a weak, lost, harmless man. Instead of rage, she felt an urge to help him. For a moment, she feared it was old feelings resurfacing. But she realized it wasn’t love—just pity.
«Thanks, Emily,» James said quietly.
«For what?»
«For not walking away. At one point in the bar, I thought you’d slap me and leave. Thanks for not doing that.»
«The thought crossed my mind,» Emily chuckled, «but curiosity won.»
«How did you not freak out coming back to the city? You had so many friends, acquaintances…»
«I don’t know,» James sighed. «I was tired of hiding. I lived on the outskirts, in a gated community, avoided downtown. Worked remotely, only drove into the city. Changed my look and name. It worked for a while.»
«Some disguise,» Emily said, recalling their airport encounter. «If not for Ethan, we wouldn’t be here.»
«He recognized me?»
«Yeah, and it shocked me. I thought he’d forgotten you.»
James sighed heavily and looked away.
«Emily, I want to see him.»
«Why? You know you can’t be a real father to him now.»
«I know, but I need to see him, just once. You said I could start over. Give me that chance.»
Emily fell silent, unsure. James had a right to see his son, but she’d grown used to raising Ethan alone. And Ethan might take the meeting hard. She wasn’t sure she was ready for this twist.
«I don’t know,» she said finally. «It could be too much for him.»
«I’ll be careful, I promise,» James said. «I’ll keep it gentle.»
Emily nodded, deciding. «Okay, but here’s the deal. I’ll prepare him tomorrow morning, explain everything. We’ll meet, talk a bit. Afterward, I’ll talk to him alone. If he wants to see you again, we’ll figure out what’s next.»
«Deal. Any conditions. Tomorrow, 11 a.m., at the café?»
«Yes, but don’t forget—for Ethan, you’re a traveler, an explorer. You’ve been on expeditions.»
«Nice cover story,» James smiled. «Got it.»
Emily said goodbye and returned to her room but couldn’t sleep. Her mind buzzed with worry. How would tomorrow go? How would Ethan react? How would James behave? These thoughts kept her up until dawn.
«Mom, where are we going today?» Ethan asked, watching her put on makeup.
«We’ve got plans,» Emily said, turning to him. «Remember the man on the plane you thought was Dad?»
«Yeah, I remember.»
«You were right. It’s really your dad. He’s back from his travels, and he’s here in this town.»
«I knew it!» Ethan grinned. «Are we seeing him today?»
«Yes, he really wants to see you.»
«I wanna see him too!» Ethan beamed.
Emily exhaled, relieved by his excitement. It eased her fear that the meeting would overwhelm him.
«Where was he all this time?» Ethan asked.
«He’ll tell you himself.»
By 11 a.m., they left the room. Emily’s nerves grew. Doubts crept in: should she cancel while there’s time? Keep things as they are?
No, it was too late. She’d told Ethan, and canceling now would hurt him—the very trauma she wanted to avoid. They headed to the café on the hotel’s ground floor. James was already there and stood as he saw them, walking over.
«Dad!» Ethan shouted, unable to contain himself.
He ran to his father, and James hugged him with a smile.
«Hey, my boy.»
Emily greeted him reservedly and joined them at the table.
«So, tell me, how’s life?» James asked.
«It’s awesome, Dad! This place is so cool! Mom and I are having the best trip ever,» Ethan said eagerly.
«You guys are great.»
«I always thought about you,» Ethan continued.
«Really?»
«Yup. But Mom didn’t like when I asked about you. I think she was really sad. So I just thought about you quietly,» Ethan said with childlike honesty.
«Where were you all this time?» he asked, looking straight at his father.
James struggled to keep his composure.
«I was far away,» he began, gathering his thoughts. «Mom probably told you some stuff. My job is exploring—cities, forests, lakes. It was a tough trip, and getting home wasn’t easy. We travelers don’t see family much, sadly.»
«Then why don’t you quit so you can be with us more?» Ethan asked, genuinely confused.
«Well… someone’s gotta do this job,» James replied.
«Let someone else do it—someone no one’s waiting for!» Ethan said, wise beyond his years.
Ethan’s words hit James hard, and he felt his emotions slipping. Excusing himself for a «call,» he hurried to the restroom to collect himself.
«See, sweetie,» Emily said when they were alone. «Dad’s job is tough. Even on vacation, it pulls him away.»
«Why does he need that job?» Ethan huffed.
«Everyone’s got their calling,» Emily said, though she wasn’t sure she believed it.
James returned, composed. «Sorry, Ethan, had to step away for a sec.»
Emily saw her chance to steer the conversation.
«We were just talking about how your job keeps you so busy. You know it stops you from seeing your son, right?»
James hesitated, then took a breath. «You know, Ethan, I just quit my job. Over the phone, just now.»
«For real?» Ethan’s eyes lit up. «Will we see you more now?»
«Yes, I promise we’ll see each other a lot more,» James said, glancing at Emily. «But it’s not just up to me. It’ll depend on what Mom and I work out.»
«Mom, you wouldn’t say no, would you?» Ethan asked, surprised, looking at her.
Emily smiled. «Of course not, sweetie. I want you to see each other. But it depends on Dad.»
«I’ll do my best to be there for you as much as I can,» James said firmly.
Ethan thought for a moment, then asked, «Why can’t you just live with us again, like before?»
The question caught James off guard. He looked to Emily, hoping for help.
«Sweetie, Dad needs to rebuild his life, find a new job. It’d be hard for him to live with us all the time,» Emily explained, sidestepping carefully.
«But once he gets a job, he can live with us, right?» Ethan pressed, putting them on the spot.
«Let’s talk it over later, okay? Then we’ll decide,» Emily said, dodging a direct answer.
