When Kevin saw the familiar face, recognition dawned on him. "Oh, ma'am, I buy flowers from your shop every month with my son to take them to my wife's grave," Kevin explained warmly, recalling their recent visit.
"Oh, you came last week! I remember you. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, I'm afraid," the lady named Samantha replied with a smile.
"How are you getting back home, ma'am? I can drop you both on my way," Kevin offered kindly.
"Thank you, son. I appreciate your kindness," Samantha replied gratefully. Kevin dropped Samantha off at her home and learned she was lovingly called Sammy Granny by her grandson, Sam. He couldn't help but smile at the serendipity of names and personalities shared between grandmother and grandson.
"So, Kyle, baby, tell me what you did on your first day at school," Kevin asked his son as they drove away.
"The teacher taught us how to write ABCD, and she clapped for me because I knew the whole alphabet!" Kyle beamed proudly. Kevin grinned and affectionately pinched Kyle's cheek. "Of course, my baby knows ABCD the best," he praised warmly.
—
Two Weeks Later, It was a casual Sunday for Kevin, who had recently resigned from his previous job due to unresolved conflicts. "Papa! I want to go to the park. Sam and I promised to meet today," Kyle exclaimed excitedly, breaking Kevin's reverie.
"Sure, baby! Let's get you ready, and we'll head to the park," Kevin replied with a smile. He recalled how Kyle had grown attached to his new friend, Sam, and insisted on seeing him every chance he got.
Arriving at the park, Kevin settled on a bench, keeping a watchful eye on Kyle and Sam as they played together. Suddenly, his phone vibrated with an unknown number. With Curiosity, he answered the call.
"Hello, sir. Am I speaking with Mr. Ross?" a voice inquired from the other end. "Yes, Kevin Ross speaking," he confirmed.
"Congratulations, sir! You have been accepted as the assistant chef of Euphoria Restaurant Bar," the voice announced. Kevin felt a rush of emotions— shock, relief, and joy— upon hearing the news he had eagerly awaited for two weeks. "Thank you so much! When can I start, and what are the timings?" Kevin asked, eager to confirm it aligned with Kyle's school schedule.
"You can start from tomorrow at 10 am. The timings will be from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm. We understand you're a father, so we'll only call you for overtime if there are VIP guests," the voice explained.
Overjoyed, Kevin thanked them profusely and hung up. He dashed towards Kyle with a wide smile, his heart bursting with happiness. "Baby!!!" he exclaimed, scooping Kyle up into a big hug and twirling him around. Kyle, confused but happy, giggled in response.
"Papa, what's wrong? You're so happy today," Kyle asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"Baby, Papa got a new job! Now Papa can buy you every toy you want," Kevin exclaimed, his joy infectious. Kyle's face lit up, not just because of the promise of toys but because his papa was happy."Baby, let's go to Sam's house. You can play with him while I chat with Granny Sammy," Kevin suggested, already ushering Kyle and Sam into the car.
Arriving at the flower shop, Samantha greeted them warmly, embracing all three in a hug. Kevin wasted no time getting to the point. "Aunt Sammy, can you babysit Kyle from 5 pm to 9 pm? I just got a job," Kevin requested earnestly.
Samantha smiled warmly. "No problem, son. Sam will have a playmate, and you can focus on your work. He's often alone in his room playing games," she replied kindly.
Kevin and Samantha talked for nearly an hour while Kyle and Sam explored the garden at the back of the shop. When Kyle eventually tugged on Kevin's sleeve, hungry and ready to go home, they bid farewell to Samantha and headed back.
"Baby, what do you want to eat?" Kevin asked Kyle as they arrived home.
"Papa, Kyle wants omelet with rice," Kyle replied enthusiastically, jumping with excitement.
"Sure, baby! Papa will make you the best omelet with rice," Kevin promised, planting a kiss on Kyle's forehead before heading into the kitchen.
That night felt like a miracle for both father and son. Kevin was thrilled about his new job, while Kyle was overjoyed that his papa wasn't sad anymore. After dinner, they watched a movie together, savoring the joy of their newfound happiness.
"Baby, let's go to sleep now," Kevin eventually said, coaxing Kyle to bed.
"Kyle wants to sleep alone now. Kyle's a big boy who goes to school and has friends," Kyle declared proudly, echoing his newfound independence.
"Sure, baby. When Papa buys a new home, you can have your own room. But that might take some time. Is that okay, baby Kyle?" Kevin asked gently.
Kyle jumped up with excitement. "As long as Kyle gets his own room, Kyle doesn't mind!" he exclaimed happily.
And with that, father and son drifted off to sleep, content in their shared dreams and newfound happiness.
—