The sound of the water dripping from the faucet and the constant splashes and Caleb's giggle were the only thing that could be heard in the bathroom.

I leaned my back a little more on the tub and watched the white ceiling above me. Caleb was playing with his toys on the water as he sat in between my lap.

"Whoosh!!" Caleb yelled off as a sound effect on one of his toys as it flew in the air.

I felt my lips curving into a small smile. I loved listening to my son's voice. Its like a lullaby in my ears and it will be the only thing that would make me feel alive.

"Dad?"

I was brought out from my deep thoughts when Caleb's voice called out to me. I tore my gaze from the ceiling and looked at my son's cute face. The very resemblance of the man I never wanted to mention.

"Are you okay?" Caleb asked as he leaned on my bare chest.

"Of course son. Why would dad not be okay?" I reassured him with a smile.

His lips pouted as his round eyes looked at me in worry. His hair hanged down and was covering his forehead since it was still wet.

"Well... you sitting there seems like you're lonely." Caleb fidget with his hands. I chuckled and pulled him to my embraced.

"No... dad is just thinking about work." Caleb's arms coiled around my neck as he hugged me. 

"What about me? Are you not thinking about me dad?"

I was taken aback on Caleb's question. I laughed. "Of course dad is also thinking about you."

I replied and pulled him off of me to tickle his sides. Caleb let out a howl of laughter and the once quiet bathroom was now filled with noises of laughter and water splashing around as we played on the tub.

After the bath I dried Caleb with a towel and slipped him on his pajamas before going to bed.

"Dad?" Caleb called out as I fixed him on his bed.

"Yes buddy?" I asked as I brought his blanket over him.

"A-are you also thinking about my other dad?" Caleb stated in a small voice. 

It was so close to a whisper but I still heard it clearly but decided to play dumb like I never heard it.

"You should go to sleep bud. You still have school tomorrow."

"Goodnight dad." Caleb opened his arms indicating that he wants a hug. I happily complied and returned his hug.

"Goodnight too buddy. I love you." I kissed him on his forehead before standing up from sitting on his bed.

"I love you too dad." Caleb croaked out before dozing off.

I turned off his bedside lamp and went out of our room. I went to the kitchen and grabbed a can of beer before heading out to the balcony.

I sat on one of the stool placed here as the view of the city greeted my eyes. The wind was cold and the noise of the cars honking below were enough to accompany me during this cold night.

I pulled open the can of beer then brought it in between my lips and quickly took a drink on it when suddenly my phone rang from my pockets. I quickly fished it out from pockets to answer the call but when I saw it was an unknown number, I chose to ignore it instead. But the more I ignored it, the more it kept on calling so I decided to answer it but decided to not say anything.

When the other line remained silent, I grew impatient and was about to end the call when a long sigh wafted through my ears. My heart skip a beat when I heared that familiar tone of voice.

"Hello, Lay..."

I felt the hair on my neck rose as he spoke. It felt like he was really directly and personally here right beside me whispering my name right in my ears. I heard him chuckle on the other line.

"Can't you even return my simple hello?"

"..."

He chuckled and gave a long sigh. "I wanted to hear your voice but I think I might not be able to."

He stated. I heard something on the other line that made me raise my brow.

"Lay, I really missed you..."

"Are you drinking?"

"Hm? Ah yes... I'm alone so a glass of wine is inevitable."

"..."

"You became quiet again."

"Ah yes..." Fuck! I grimaced from the way I answered him. It seemed like I was some love struck freak!

He laughed again, sending chills to my body. I can even feel my blood rushing to my ears as I listened to him every time he laughs.

"After all these years, you still do get flustered every time we talk. And that's why you never fail to amazed me, love."

"..."

"I love it every time your face turns red. Your jumbled words and innocent comebacks. I love everything about you."

"..."

"The way you called me master. But I really loved the way you call me by my name. It makes me feel really special. I feel so special that I can't help but fall in love with you all over again."

"M-mas- ahem! Mr. Miers, I believe its already late. I should go to bed, I still have work for tomorrow."

"Ah... yes. I'm sorry for disturbing you this late at night. Good night, Lay. Sweet dreams."

"..."

"Won't you say the same to me?"

"..."

Before my mouth could open and say something really bad, I quickly ended the call for the fear of him hearing my sobs. I let my tears fall freely from my eyes as I looked at the stars in the sky.

How I wished I have two hearts. Whenever the first one breaks, I have another spare one to be used. But the world is too real that you could only get one chance in everything.

Do I have to risk myself and dive into the fire where I knew I could get hurt at anytime or stay in solitude and isolation without getting hurt? And especially deny my son's right to know his own father?

I'm afraid. I'm afraid if those times would repeat, I didn't want to drag Caleb into this mess. I don't want him to see how vulnerable and weak I am because he had always seen me in my strength. I'm contented in our life now.

"Dad?"

I jolted on my seat and quickly wiped off the tears that was on my face. I put on my best smile and turned around to face Caleb.

"Hey bud. What's wrong, can't sleep?"

Caleb rubbed his eyes cutely before looking at me. His other hand was holding the frame of the sliding door.

"I did have a good sleep but you weren't there when I went to hug you. So I got up and searched for you."

I smiled and stood up from my chair. I fetched Caleb up from the floor and quickly locked the door to our balcony. I went to the kitchen and threw the can of beer I was drinking before heading back to our room. I placed Caleb on the bed and tuck him nicely underneath the covers.

I also slipped underneath the covers and pulled Caleb into my arms to sleep.

"Good night son."

Caleb's hand landed on my cheek and went to rub it. My eyes widened and looked at my son's face. Even though his eyes were close, his constant rubbing didn't stopped.

"Don't cry dad. Caleb will always be here for you and will always love you."

I felt my heart overflowed with relief that I can't help it but smile and pulled him more closer to me to hug him.

"Yes Caleb. And I love you more than anything in this world."

-----------

Hi guys!

Before I went missing again, here's an update for you. And if you have an FB (Facebook) account, drop your names on the comment section and I will send you a friend request. Or you can send me instead. Let's all be connected and build a harmonious relationship/friendship! 

love lots.

https://www.facebook.com/eiki.ji.5