“Caleb…” Adrian said, his voice shaking. “Do you know who your father is?”
The boy shook his head.
“No… my mom said he was an important man… but that I should never look for him… because he didn’t love us.”
Adrian covered his face, trembling.
“And… your mom… was her name Elena?”
Caleb’s eyes widened.
“Yes… you knew her?”
Silence filled the street.
Adrian stared at him—at his eyes, his features.
There was no denying it.
It was like looking at a younger version of himself.
A broken sound escaped his throat.
He forced himself to speak.
“I’m… your father.”
Everything froze.
Caleb blinked.
Then stepped back.
“No… you’re lying…”
Adrian tried to move closer, still on his knees.
“I didn’t know… I swear… I thought you were gone… both of you…”
“You’re a liar!” Caleb shouted, tears streaming down his face. “If you’re my dad, why did you leave me alone?!”
That question hit harder than anything.
Because there was no excuse.
“I made a mistake,” Adrian said, lowering his head. “I was selfish… and I’ve paid for it every day since.”
“I was hungry!” Caleb cried. “I slept outside! I was scared every night!”
Each word shattered him.