HEARTSTRINGS

{39} TRIANGLE

"If you don't go after what you want you'll never have it."

Joshua lay still, feeling the steady rise and fall of Haejin's tiny chest as the boy slept soundly on him. His small hand was gripping Joshua's shirt as if subconsciously making sure Joshua wouldn't disappear. 

As Joshua absentmindedly ruffled Haejin's soft hair, he couldn't help but smile. It was an overwhelming feeling—this little person, his son, asleep on him after all this time. 

There was something so pure about the moment that it nearly brought tears to his eyes.

In the kitchen, Chloe was moving around quietly, making breakfast. The smell of eggs and toast filled the air, and Joshua could hear the soft clinks of dishes being placed on the counter. 

He closed his eyes briefly, wondering what life might have been like if things had gone differently—if mornings like this had been a regular thing.

Haejin shifted slightly, blinking his eyes open. Joshua felt him stir and gently looked down, ready to greet him with a smile. Haejin stared for a second as if trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Then his face scrunched up.

Joshua chuckled. "Good morning, buddy."

But that wasn't the reaction Haejin had in mind. His eyes widened, and panic spread across his little face. With no warning, he shot upright, nearly headbutting Joshua in the process.

"MOMMY!!!" 

Haejin screamed at the top of his lungs, scrambling off of Joshua as fast as his small body would allow. 

"MOMMY!! Why is this broccoli goose here?!"

Joshua sat up quickly, startled by the outburst. "Haejin, baby, calm down! It's okay—"

But Haejin was already kicking his legs out wildly in Joshua's direction, trying to push him away.

"Mommy!!! Help! Broccoli goose is here! MOMMY!!!"

Joshua winced as Haejin's foot connected with his rib. "Ow! Haejin, stop—"