Kevin stood before Alin's grave, cradling Kyle in his arms as he spoke softly to the headstone. "Thank you for giving birth to Kyle, Alin. I'll give him everything I can, try my best to support him." His voice trembled with a mix of grief and determination, his eyes fixed on the marker that bore Alin's name and the dates that marked her too-short life.
It had been a year since Kyle's birth and Alin's passing. Once a month, Kevin brought Kyle to visit his mother's resting place. Kyle, born on the 5th of May, had become the light of Kevin's life amidst the shadows of loss. Kevin had regrets, but never about Kyle. From the moment they learned of Alin's pregnancy, Kevin knew they were blessed with an angel.
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Days turned into months, and months into years. Kyle was now five years old, eager to start elementary school. "Papa, I want to sleep more," Kyle whined, his small voice muffled against his father's shoulder.
"Come on, Kyle. We have to go shopping. Remember, you start school next week," Kevin gently coaxed, lifting Kyle from the bed. Kyle perked up at the mention of school, excitement evident in his bright eyes, oblivious to the challenges that lay ahead.
"Will you buy me pudding after shopping, Papa?" Kyle asked eagerly."If my little boy behaves well all day, I'll even buy you chocolate," Kevin promised with a smile. He carried Kyle to the bathroom, where Kyle insisted on bathing with his yellow rubber duck, a cherished gift from his previous birthday.
After getting Kyle ready, they headed to the mall for school shopping. Kyle's innocent requests for toys and treats tugged at Kevin's heart, reminding him of the financial strain he faced after being disowned by his father.
"Baby, we can't get everything today, okay?" Kevin explained gently as Kyle pointed excitedly at toys and candies. Disappointment clouded Kyle's face slowly, but he obediently returned the items to the shelves.
Kevin felt a pang of guilt. 'I'll apply for a better job, one that pays more, so I can buy you everything next time,' he resolved silently.
They proceeded to buy school supplies and a few new outfits for Kyle before heading to the food court for dinner. "Would you like pizza, Kyle?" Kevin asked, amused by Kyle's enthusiastic nodding.
"Yes, pizza!" Kyle cheered, pointing at the colorful pictures on the menu board. He insisted on a smoothie as well, which Kevin gladly ordered.
As they sat down to eat, Kyle chattered excitedly about starting school and making friends. "Ducky will have so many friends too!" he exclaimed between bites of pizza, his face smeared with sauce.
Kevin listened fondly, marveling at Kyle's innocence and pure joy. "Yes, buddy, make lots of friends. Enjoy school to the fullest," Kevin encouraged, wiping Kyle's face clean with a napkin.
"Can we visit Mama early this time?" Kevin asked gently, wanting Kyle to always remember his mother.
"Yes, Kyle wants to see Mama too!" Kyle nodded enthusiastically. After finishing dinner, they drove home in comfortable silence, Kyle drifting off to sleep in the backseat of a second hand car. Kevin glanced at his son in the rearview mirror, marveling at how quickly Kyle was growing up.
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