Leon couldn't sleep the whole night. He thought of every possibilities and results due to his decision. He was scared yet wanted to move forward. He cuddled her like a python rounding his prey. He didn't want to let go of her.
The next morning sunshine villa was unusually quiet. After breakfast, Mira was sitting cross-legged on the living room sofa, absentmindedly sketching random shapes on a notepad.
Leon stood at the entrance for a long moment, quietly watching her.
Several times he thought about speaking. Several times he stopped himself... Some memories could wait but some deserved to be remembered.
Finally, he walked over and sat beside her.
Mira looked up.
"Leo?"
"Hmm?"
"You're awfully quiet today."
"I've been thinking."
"About work?"
He shook his head. "About someone."
She blinked. "Who?"
Leon hesitated.
Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
He opened a photograph and handed it to her.
"This..." and he hugged her tightly. His hands covered her and neck rested on her shoulder.
"...is someone very important to us."
Mira lowered her eyes.
On the screen was a chubby little child with bright eyes and soft curls, sitting on Leon's lap while reaching toward the camera with tiny hands.
Leon wasn't looking at the camera, but was looking at the child. His expression was filled with love and tenderness.
Mira couldn't help but smile. "What a cute baby."
Her smile relived Leon as Mumu is not a trigger.
She zoomed in on the picture. "He looks so happy."
Leon nodded. "He is."
She tilted her head.
"Is he your nephew or cousin?"
Leon looked at her quietly.
"No."
Mira frowned.
"Then whose child is he?"
Leon closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, all hesitation was gone.
He looked directly at her. "Our son."
Silence.
The smile slowly disappeared from Mira's face. She stared at the photograph... Then at Leon... Then back at the little boy.
"Our..."
Her voice trembled.
"...son?"
Leon nodded gently still hugging her. "His name is Mehul Deskmore."
He smiled faintly. "But everyone calls him..."
"...Mumu."