The Son He Finally Met
The next day came slowly.
Elias barely slept. The night felt endless, filled with too many thoughts. He'd spent years convincing himself he wasn't built for a family. But now—he had one. And he was about to meet his son.
He arrived at Aria's apartment fifteen minutes early.
His driver offered to wait, but Elias waved him off. He wanted no distractions, no lingering presence to make things feel staged. He stood at the door, breathing deeply, rehearsing his words. What did one say to a child who didn't know you existed?
Before he could knock, the door opened.
Aria stood there in jeans and a soft sweater, her hair down and damp, as if she'd just showered. Her eyes widened when she saw him.
"You're early."
"I didn't want to be late," he said. "I wasn't sure how long the drive would take."
"You waited out here?"
He gave a slight shrug. "I thought knocking too soon might seem… intrusive."
She smiled, the corner of her mouth lifting. "He's watching his favorite cartoon. You can come in."
Elias stepped inside, his eyes scanning the space. It was warm—lived-in. Toys scattered neatly in a corner, a bookshelf filled with colorful spines, and a soft blanket tossed over the couch. It smelled like cinnamon and laundry detergent.
"He's in the living room," Aria said softly, guiding him forward.
Elias nodded, his hands clammy. "What should I… say?"
"Just be yourself," she whispered. "He's four. He doesn't need perfect. Just honest."
He stepped into the room and saw him.
Eli was curled up on the rug, eyes glued to the television, legs bouncing slightly. His hair was thick and dark, his features unmistakable.
"Eli," Aria said gently. "Sweetheart, someone's here to meet you."
The boy turned, blinking up at them. He didn't smile or frown. Just tilted his head, curious.
"Hi," Elias said, kneeling so they were at eye level. "I'm Elias."
Eli looked at him. "That's a weird name."
Elias chuckled. "Yeah, I guess it is."
Aria knelt beside them. "Remember we talked about daddies, Eli? This is your daddy."
The boy blinked. His mouth opened slightly.
"You flew down from the clouds?" he asked.
Elias glanced at Aria, confused.
"He thinks his dad lives in the sky," she explained softly.
"I didn't fly," Elias said gently. "But I did come a long way to see you."
Eli stared at him. "Do you like dinosaurs?"
"I love dinosaurs."
"What's your favorite?"
"Stegosaurus," Elias said immediately. "It's got that cool spiky tail."
Eli's face lit up. "Mine too! But also T-Rex. He's loud."
"He sure is," Elias smiled. "Almost as loud as you when you roar, I bet."
Eli laughed. "I roar louder than a T-Rex."
"I'd like to hear it someday."
Eli considered this. "Okay. But not now. I'm watching."
"Fair enough."
He turned back to his show, satisfied.
Aria and Elias stood slowly.
"That went… better than I expected," Elias murmured.
"He's still processing," she said. "But you didn't scare him. That's a good sign."
They walked into the kitchen. She poured him a glass of water, handing it over.
"He's amazing," Elias said, his voice low. "I mean… wow."
"He is," she said, smiling softly. "He's everything."
"I feel like I've missed a lifetime."
"You missed four birthdays. First words. First steps. First tantrum."
"I'll never forgive myself."
"You didn't know."
"I should've. Somehow. I should've known something was missing."
Aria touched the counter, steadying herself. "He doesn't hold grudges. Children don't. He just wants to know you'll be here."
"I want to be."
She looked at him then, searching his face. "Why now, Elias? Why try now?"
"Because when you said he was mine, something inside me cracked. I realized… I don't want to be the kind of man who runs from love anymore."
"You weren't ready before," she said. "That's okay."
"I wasn't just not ready," he admitted. "I was scared. Of needing someone. Of needing you."
They paused as small feet padded into the kitchen.
Eli tugged on Aria's sweater. "Can he play cars with me?"
She looked down at him. "If he wants to, sure."
Elias didn't hesitate. "I'd love to."
The boy grabbed his hand and tugged him back to the living room, plopping down beside a box of toy cars.
Aria watched from the doorway.
"Okay," Eli said, handing him a blue car. "This one's yours. But no cheating."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
They lined up their cars, made whooshing sounds, and began racing them across the rug. Eli laughed when Elias dramatically spun out.
"You're bad at this," he giggled.
"I'm out of practice," Elias said, grinning. "You're a professional."
"I am," Eli declared proudly. "Mommy plays too, but she's worse."
"Hey!" Aria called from the kitchen.
Eli laughed harder. Elias looked up and met her eyes.
At that moment, something shifted in him. This was more than a visit. It was a beginning.
"Do you wanna see my room?" Eli asked.
"I'd love to."
He led Elias down the hall, proudly showing him his books, toys, and a poster of dinosaurs. Elias took it all in—the small bed, the scribbles taped to the walls, the innocence.
"Did you draw this one?" Elias asked, pointing to a picture of a stick-figure family.
Eli nodded. "That's me, and Mommy, and Mr. Snuggles."
"No Daddy?"
"I didn't know what he looked like," Eli said simply. "But maybe I'll draw you next time."
Elias swallowed hard. "I'd like that."
They sat on the edge of the bed, Eli already pulling out more toys.
"Can I visit again?" Elias asked softly.
Eli looked at him seriously. "Only if you bring chocolate milk."
"Deal."
They played for another hour before Elias finally stood. "I should go. But I'll be back, okay?"
Eli nodded. "You can come tomorrow. I'll show you my dinosaur book."
"I'll be here."
He walked back to the door with Aria.
"He likes you," she said.
"I like him too."
She opened the door slowly.
"I'll give you both space," Elias said. "But I want to be part of his life."
"We'll figure it out," she said. "One day at a time."
He hesitated, then leaned in. Not for a kiss. Just close enough that she could hear him.
"Thank you. For letting me meet him."
She nodded.
When he left, she stood at the door a long time, heart pounding.
Inside, Eli ran to her, arms around her waist.
"Mommy, I like him."
She crouched, holding him tightly.
"Me too, baby. Me too."
And just like that, the world shifted.
The past was still there.
But the future had begun.