Mending the Mechanic's Heart

New Dawn

Sailub couldn't tear his eyes away from the tiny life in the incubator. Every beat of his heart echoed the silent plea for strength and health for both Pon and their baby. His fingers gently squeezed Pon's hand, a grounding presence in the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed him since everything had spiraled out of control.

Just then, the door to the room swung open with a force that made Sailub look up. His mother stepped in, holding Aon securely in her arms. The toddler was dressed in one of Pon's hoodies, a cozy garment that hung loosely on his small frame, but it only added to his adorable appearance. Aon's face was buried deep in his mother's neck, his little body trembling slightly, clearly feeling the weight of the situation.

"Hey, my love," Sailub's mother greeted softly, her voice soothing. She glanced around the room, taking in the monitors and the incubator. Her smile faltered as she saw the worry etched on her son's face. "I brought Aon. I thought he might want to see you."

With a gentle motion, she placed Aon down on the floor, encouraging him to go to his parents. But instead of rushing toward Sailub, Aon turned and hid back against his mother, peering out from behind her with wide, fearful eyes.

"It's okay, sweetie," Sailub called gently, kneeling down to Aon's level. "Come here, buddy. Daddy just wants to see you."

But Aon remained rooted to the spot, trembling slightly as he clutched his mother's hand, unsure of what was happening. Sailub's heart sank at the sight; he wanted to pull Aon into his arms and comfort him, but he didn't want to scare him further.

"Let him take his time," his mother advised softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "He's still processing everything. You know how sensitive he is."

Sailub nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "I just wanted him to feel safe," he murmured, glancing back at the incubator. "He shouldn't have to worry about all of this."

Mr. Hemmawwachi stepped into the room, his expression serious yet softened by concern as he observed his grandson. "Aon," he called gently, crouching down to match the toddler's height. "It's okay to be scared, buddy. But look, your dad is right here, and he's going to be okay."

Aon's gaze flicked between his grandfather and Sailub, his little brows furrowed in confusion. Sailub's heart ached at the sight of his son feeling so lost in the turmoil surrounding them.

"Come on, little guy," Sailub coaxed, forcing a reassuring smile. "You can come to Daddy. I promise I'll keep you safe."

Aon took a hesitant step closer to Sailub, his small figure dwarfed by the room's enormity. With his head bowed, he murmured something so quietly that none could catch the words. The silence in the room grew heavy as everyone exchanged confused glances, unsure of what the toddler had said.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Sailub asked gently, kneeling down to Aon's level. "You can tell Daddy."

Aon took a shaky breath, straightened up, and looked at Sailub with wide, teary eyes. "S-sir, I-I'm s-sorry, I-I don't..." His small voice wavered, and he looked down, clearly struggling with his words.

Sailub's heart clenched as he reached out, gently cupping Aon's face. "Shh, buddy. What's wrong? Why are you apologizing, my love?"

Aon's tiny hands gripped Sailub's shirt as he whispered, his voice breaking, "I-I heard... that my r-real da-daddy hurt Dada and Baby. S-sir, I'm sorry."

The world seemed to tilt around Sailub, and he felt his heart break in an instant. He forced himself to hold it together as he wrapped Aon in his arms, feeling the little boy's body tremble. Aon was calling him "sir" and looking up at him with fear and guilt, and it shattered Sailub.