“The Knock at the Door”
It was as if the words had punched me in the gut.
“You have to give my child back.”
Despite the fact that Leo was too preoccupied with roaring like a T-Rex in the living room to notice the tension outside, I stood motionless in the doorway, automatically protecting him from the threat.
Her brown hair was tangled and pulled back into a loose ponytail, and she appeared to be fatigued. The woman in front of me looked exhausted. It was her eyes that flew past me into the warm brightness of my home, and they were framed by dark circles. Her eyes were frantic. She was looking for him at the time. I am a Leo.
I took a deep breath. “Who are you?”
As she did so, she encircled herself with her arms. “My name is Rachel,” she introduced herself. “And five years ago… I left my baby at the fire station.”
I was aware of a movement in the ground underneath me.
Rachel inhaled deeply and blinked frequently, as if she were trying to keep her tears from falling. “I was a young person. By oneself. I had nothing at my disposal. It occurred to me that—” Her tone was shattered. I was under the impression that the only option for him to survive was to give up. However, I have spent each day since then feeling guilt over it.
I have my hand on the doorframe. “And now?”
Those lips of hers shook. I want him to come back. Obviously, it is not fair. Without a doubt, the law is on your side. However… Simply put, I had to go see him. to be aware that he is doing well. I beg you.”
There were a thousand thoughts that rushed through my head. The woman had left him behind. He was brought up by me. Should she have been allowed to stroll back into his life to begin with? If I saw her, would it change everything else?
Then I became aware of Leo’s little voice. What’s up, Daddy? Is that someone?
I made a turn. He was standing behind me, clutching his cardboard T-Rex that was only partially constructed, and he looked up at Rachel with the same large brown eyes that she had. My chest tightened up.
Inhaling deeply, Rachel took a few steps backwards as if she had been struck by something. In her eyes, tears began to well up. Oh, it’s God. He is very stunning.
I entered Leo’s position and knelt down. What’s up, buddy? Hi, my name is Rachel. A person who has known you since you were a young child is this person.
He smiled at Leo. I was a young child? Awsome! Was I missing any teeth?
Rachel let out a sluggish cry of laughter. “I’m sorry, my darling. Missing teeth”
After a few moment of looking at her, Leo shifted his attention back to me. “Can she help us build the dinosaur?”
In response, Rachel let out a little gasp while covering her lips with her hands.
As I looked at her, I did so deeply. As of yet, I was unsure of what the appropriate course of action was. Nevertheless, I was aware of one thing: Leo was not solely mine. He was a unique individual in his own right. And perhaps, quite possibly, he was deserving of being informed about his origins.
I moved out of the way. “Come on in.”