Through the wall

XXIII

The remainder of the meal passed in awkward silence. Jimmy and Camila exchanged glances, clearly puzzled about what was going on.

Jennie was entirely lost in thought, replaying all the harsh words she'd thrown at that man for supposedly shirking his responsibility towards his daughter when, as it turned out, he wasn't even the one responsible. For a moment, guilt started to creep in, but she quickly brushed it aside. She would do the right thing-apologise as soon as she got the chance.

Gun sat quietly next to Off at the table, holding his hand. He could sense something was deeply troubling his boyfriend; the worry was plain on his face. Before heading back into the house, Off had called his mum to ask her to pick up Sammy. He had also phoned Lia, explained the situation, and given her New's lawyer's contact details.

Lia had reassured him over the phone.
"Don't worry, darling. I can promise you there's no way that scoundrel will take the girl. Trust me on this... but I need you to come and review Nat's will and sort out the succession paperwork, or I won't be able to do much. It's important."

Gun overheard the conversation, as he was sitting right next to Off.

"Alright," Off replied. "I'll come on Monday."

"Come in the afternoon, after Sammy's at school. That way, I can deal with that vulture New and his lawyer in the morning."

"Okay, Auntie."

Off ended the call, and Gun embraced him. He'd never seen him like this before; he seemed like a frightened child.

By four in the afternoon, Off, Gun, and Sammy were back at the house next door, waiting for Ploy, Off's mum. A woman in her early fifties, she exuded a strong personality, though she was warm and kind.

As soon as she entered the house, she hugged her son.

"Darling, everything's going to be fine. I've already spoken to Lia, and she assured me there's nothing to worry about. My granddaughter will stay with us. By the way, where is she?"

Off tried to hide his emotions, simply replying that Sammy was in her room, packing her backpack.

At that moment, Gun emerged from the downstairs bathroom. Ploy, still holding her son, leaned in and whispered in his ear,
"Is that Gun?"

Off gave a small nod. He stepped back from his mum and introduced them.

"Mum, this is Gun, my boyfriend," he said, looking at Gun, who had started fidgeting with his hands, caught off guard by the sudden introduction. "Gun, this is Ploy, my mum."

Ploy studied him for a moment before stepping closer.
"Well, you've certainly turned my son's world upside down. I've been looking forward to meeting you. Welcome to the family."

She pulled him into a tight hug. Gun, unsure how to respond, awkwardly returned the embrace and mumbled,
"Thank you."

At that moment, Sammy came downstairs, running to her grandmother. They chatted about trivial matters until Ploy and Sammy left a few minutes later.

Gun went out to see them off and, when he returned, found Off sitting silently on the sofa, his head in his hands. Gun sat on the coffee table in front of him and wrapped his arms around him.

"Everything's going to be fine. No one is going to take Sammy away."

As he finished speaking, he felt Off clutch him tightly. The slight tremors of his body revealed he was crying. Gun pulled back just enough to wipe his tears.

"My love, don't cry. No one is taking your daughter. It doesn't matter who her biological father is-she's your daughter."

Off began to regain his composure, having finally let out the tears he had been holding back for so long.