Noah’s face brightened a little for the first time.
That evening, they shared a quiet meal in the small kitchen. Noah devoured hot soup and sandwiches while Clara barely touched her plate, her eyes moist. Richard sat across from them, humbled by how little they’d had—and how easy it was for him to offer so much.
The next day, Richard contacted his legal team to begin helping Clara get official documents, including school enrollment for Noah. Daniel helped with bureaucracy, while Richard hired a tutor to help Noah catch up on his studies.
In the weeks that followed, Richard visited often. He brought groceries, helped with school paperwork, and even started sharing stories about Leo.
“Noah reminds me of Leo when he was little,” he told Clara one day as they sat drinking tea.
“He always wanted to go fishing. Hated carrots. Loved space documentaries and used to hide his socks under the couch so he wouldn’t have to wash them.”
Clara smiled at that.
“I used to imagine what kind of father Leo would’ve been,” she said. “He didn’t even know I was pregnant. I tried to reach some of his friends, but I didn’t know how to reach you.”
Richard looked away.
“I was so busy… so distant. I don’t know if he would’ve told me anyway.”
Clara placed her hand gently on the table.
“He would have. Eventually.”
As Noah settled into school, he began to blossom. He made friends, joined a football club, and returned home each day with stories and questions.
Richard found himself looking forward to these moments. He helped with homework, listened to Noah’s jokes, even learned to make pancakes—badly.
