Ethan's Andante (Sequel to Special Tutoring)

9. Three Options

*vardin's note: any communication within the family is in German. I think I will super annoy readers if they have to keep scrolling to see the translation*

Fifteen years ago. Autumn.

Max flipped through the proposals that his team of lawyers had prepared, as he recalled the scene when he showed up at Kaufmann's front door with Ethan.

"You were out? Clean yourself and go to bed."

There was an unmistakable stench of stale cigarette and sour beer on Kaufmann's breath as he dismissed his son without a second glance. Max braced himself for an awkward exchange. Instead to his surprise, Kaufmann was an affable drunk who after an appraising stare at his affluent appearance, beckoned him, a total stranger, in for drinks.

The conversation was light, the cheap beer flowed freely. After a while, Kaufmann sunk into desolation, recalling his late wife. Encouraged by Max's empathy, he then bemoaned how Ethan reminded him of her, and the mix of irritation and guilt he felt towards his child who he could not bear to look at. A perfect opening for Max to introduce himself and with a few choice words about his own wife and their own sad situation over the loss of their child, before presenting an offer to take the child off Kaufmann's hands for the summer.

At least Kaufmann hesitated for a while.

"Doesn't feel right, his mother would be upset if she knew." He teared a little again at the mention of his wife.

Max did not respond, letting Kaufmann internalize the idea.

"Just for the summer, right?"

"Genau. Since you mentioned that you just lost your position at the factory, being encumbered with the child's welfare on a daily basis will hamper your job seeking. My wife and I empathize over your situation and are willing to take care of Ethan while you get over your grief and seek new employment."

Seeing Kaufmann's lack of enthusiasm, Max continued, "The local public youth welfare authority can help us formalize the process, so that everyone's rights, especially Ethan's, will be protected. I can also intercede with the local welfare agencies or provide some financial help to help you get back on your feet. In the meantime, we can look into suitable positions at the estate for you."

In the end, they signed legal documents drawn up by the team, allowing the von Aretins to care for Ethan for the next six months, pending the setup of a more permanent arrangement. Which was presented in the three proposals he had on hand.

Option 1: provide the father a decent living on the estate and the Aretins continue to sponsor the child's education and well-being.

Option 2: convince the father to relinquish all rights and duties to the child to allow adoption.

Option 3: apply via family court for involuntary relinquishment of parental rights.

Max furrowed his brow in concentration, but the cacophony was making it difficult to focus. His gaze kept drifting to the scene in front of him.

His son, the reluctant music student, was manfully sawing at his violin with a stubborn glint in his eyes while Ethan played the piano. It was torture on the ears because the two boys were out of sync. Max's practiced ear noted that the younger boy was on point while Joachim was all over the place.

At least he is trying harder now, Max thought as he flipped back to the earlier page. Astrid, on the other hand, was riveted by the practice as if she was watching André Rieu and Stéphanie Detry instead of two young boys destroying Bach.

Wishing that he could plaster his ears shut, he envied her far superior patience. In the two short months that Ethan came into their lives, Astrid was rapidly regaining color and flesh, returning to the vibrant, beautiful woman she was, albeit an unmistakable tinge of sorrow. Her face was glowing and she smiled with gentle joy . Max's expression softened.