I Am Not A Poor Daddy

8

“But what about everything here? My life…” he answered, hesitant. He didn’t want to leave Isabella like this. 

 “The family needs you now more than ever. This could open a new path for everyone, including Isabella and your child in the future.” The old man spoke wisely, triggering considerations in Sebastian’s mind. 

 Finally, Sebastian felt a mixture of emotions—sadness for the loss of his mother, anxiety, but also a sense of responsibility for his father who seemed unlikely to last. Maybe, for him, it was time to try to understand the relationship even though there were many wounds that needed to be healed. 

 “Okay, I’ll come back,” he said, his tone firm but deep down, he knew that this was a big step, full of challenges. Coming back, not only for his father, but also for himself. 

  As the car moved away from the city, hopes and doubts mixed, but in his mind there was a belief that every step he took next would give new colors to his life and perhaps, could restore something that had been lost in the long journey he had been on. 

 After several hours of driving, the car finally drove to a luxurious house in the center of the capital city of A. When the car stopped and Sebastian stepped out, he felt a mixture of nostalgia and sadness. This was a familiar place—a symbol of status and power, but at the same time it was a place that brought back many bitter memories. 

 Sebastian stared at the house, many details that brought him back to the past, when he was still trying to find recognition from his father who was never satisfied and often involved in the glamorous world. However, at this moment, all of that seemed empty. 

 As he stepped into the house, the atmosphere felt tense. He was greeted by doctors who looked busy, then he saw the figure of his father lying weakly on the bed, surrounded by medical instruments and equipment that showed how severe his condition was. His father's body looked fragile, unlike the strong and energetic man he knew in his youth—a playboy. 

 His heart felt heavy. Seeing his father like this reminded him of how quickly everything could change. A sense of sadness washed over him. There were so many things he wanted to say, so many feelings he wanted to express, but the words seemed stuck in his throat. 

 “He has been waiting for you,” the old man said, realizing how difficult this must have been for Sebastian. “This is the perfect time to talk.” 

 Sebastian looked at his father, his weak eyes and wrinkled face. All the regret, sadness, and pain flowed together. He had never imagined seeing his father like this. But he still felt the emotions colliding—anger at the neglect, but also love and a desire to heal the wounds. 

 After a moment of hesitation, he stepped closer to the bed, trying to gather his strength. “Dad,” he said softly, his mind filled with doubt and hope. “I’m here.” 

 His father opened his eyes, his gaze slow and confused as he tried to recognize the figure before him. “Sebastian?” His voice was hoarse, full of sadness and a need to speak. “Sebastian… you’re finally back.”

 Sebastian fought back tears. “Yes, I’m back,” he replied, and silently, he prayed that this would be an opportunity to do what he had never said before—not just for himself, but for his father. 

 As they looked at each other, the moment felt intense. There was so much to say, but in that moment, all he could do was sit beside his father, waiting for the right words to bridge the gap that had long existed. 

 With a quivering heart, Sebastian felt that maybe this was the first step to mending things, changing their broken relationship, even though the challenges ahead seemed so great. 

 Inside the room, the atmosphere was tense and silent. It was just Sebastian and his father. The doctors and nurses had left, giving them space to talk. Sebastian sat on the edge of the bed, trying to hold back the emotions that were welling up inside him. 

 His father, who lay weak, looked at him with longing in his eyes. “Sebastian, I’m sorry,” he whispered softly, his voice trembling but strong. “I know I’ve let you down so much. All this time, I… have never been a good father to you. I was caught up in my own life and forgot my responsibilities.”

 Hearing that apology, Sebastian’s heart trembled. All the memories of the past, good and bad, flashed through his mind. He remembered all the moments when the emptiness enveloped their relationship, but also the times when he tried to seek attention and recognition from his father.

 After enduring all the pain, Sebastian finally nodded. “I forgive you, Dad,” he replied, his voice full of emotion. “Everything that happened, I chose to let go. We can’t change the past, but maybe we can fix the future.”

 Tears began to flow down his father’s face. “Thank you, my son. I’m truly sorry.” He coughed softly, gasping for breath, but his face showed deep gratitude. “I want you to know, even though my life was full of mistakes, I have always loved you… I may have never shown it, but you are everything to me.”

 Sebastian felt the weight on his heart begin to lift. In this very emotional moment, he felt that despite all the fights and disharmony between them, love could still reappear. “I know, Dad. Your love is still there. Now, what can we do to move on?”

 His father swallowed and tried to gather his strength. “Sebastian, I have ALS. It’s making me weaker. I can’t take it any longer. This family… I need you to take over. We have a business and a responsibility that you have to fulfill.”

 The words hit Sebastian like a bolt of lightning. He felt caught between the sudden sense of responsibility and the helplessness of everything that had happened. “But, Dad… am I ready for it?”