When I was twenty-four, I returned from studying abroad.
Upon my return, I learned that my father was gravely ill.
When he saw me, despite being bedridden for a long time, he seemed somewhat relieved.
He spoke more than usual.
But soon, he fell back into a state of near-death.
During his last moments, he repeatedly murmured a name.
Aurelia, Aurelia.
I knew his regret, and I knew he had a wish that would never come true.
I originally thought like him, never to disturb her peaceful life.
But blood ties being what we are, I couldn't resist.
I met with her.
I told her that my father was in his final moments and could die at any time.
She appeared calm at the time, just sitting there, her hands shaking, without saying a word for a long time.
I excused myself to get some hot drinks, leaving her alone for a while.
When I returned, her eyes were red.
She must have cried.
I couldn't describe how I felt.
But I felt a bit happy for my father.
She still shed tears for his death.
She must still have a place for him in her heart.
I asked her if she would come back to city with me to see my father one last time.
She didn't refuse me.
However, when we arrived, right after the plane landed,
the hospital informed us that my father had passed away.
Before his passing, I, his only son, wasn't by his side.
And the woman he never forgot in his lifetime.
Wasn't able to see her one last time.
She stood there, looking at me, bewildered and at a loss.
I said nothing, only holding her tightly.
"Dad's gone, but you still have me."
"Don't be afraid, don't be scared, Mom."
She finally raised her hand tremblingly and hugged me lightly.
Her tears fell down, drop by drop, hot.
She cried for a while, then lifted her hand to touch my face. "Aiden, you're going to have a hard time ahead."
Yes, I am my father's only child.
My father had already made his will when he fell ill.
Everything he had, divided equally, half for me, and half for her.
I knew she won't accept it.
But that doesn't matter, I'll manage everything for her.
No matter what people say or try to slander her.
I always remembered what my father told me.
She is the one who gave me life and fought to bring me into this world.
I must love her, do everything I can to love her.
After all, in this world, only she and I are the closest of kin.
"Mom."
I called her softly again.
A name I whispered countless times in my dreams, now I finally dared to call out to her.
"Mom, as long as you're here, no matter how much hardship, I won't be afraid."
She wiped away her tears, her eyes filled with relief as she looked at me.
"Aiden, let's go, we should see your dad off for the last time."
She held my hand, her hand soft and warm, yet strong.
I let her hold it, step by step, step by step, moving forward.
