Mum
written by iskati
I: Love at first sight
I only have one dream, a complete family. A family with a mother, a father, and children.
In my case, that's not gonna happen. I've had a lot of failed relationships and heartaches.
I thought I won't ever find true love until I gave birth to a wonderful child. The moment I saw him, it was love at first sight.
II: Curiosity
It's hard to ignore the fact that we're not the usual family as others have. As time passes he's getting curious. At the age of 10, he started asking me where his dad was.
I don't know how to answer that question so I just ignored it. I thought it will make him upset, but it didn't. He just hugged me and say "Sorry Mum". That was the last time that he asked me about his dad.
III: Secret
He turned 18, working in a local department store. He said he wants to save money for college. I wish I could help him but my wage is just enough for our rent and other expenses.
He always gets home late. Maybe he has multiple jobs. I miss the times when he was still at school, we always eat dinner together and watch movies every weekend.
One day he went home with blood all over his shirt. His hands are shaking and his eyes are filled with fear. What happened?
IV: Influence
I asked him what happened. He cried and said, "It was just an accident! I didn't mean to kill him!". It was his boss. I was confused, why would he kill someone?
After a while, he told me the truth. " It's dad", he said. "I met him a year ago. I didn't tell you because I know you'll be mad. We often hang out after my shift."
"I told him that I'm saving up for college. He offered me a side gig to help. We steal money. I badly needed it so I said yes. I made quite a bit of money but it’s not enough."
"Our next target was my boss. The plan is to scare him, but he fought back and snatched the gun from dad. I tried to stop him and accidentally pulled the trigger. Dad just... ran away."
V: The one to blame
We went to his dad but the house is empty as if there was no one living there. He started weeping. I am the one to blame.
If only I answered his question back then, he wouldn't think that I'm mad.
If only I answered his question, he'll talk to me more often.
If only I answered his question, he's still right here next to me.
If only I answered his question, I wouldn't be in prison.