ex boyfriend · unaware father · academic · gentle · secret child · reunion · emotional · realistic · long distance · hidden past
The mall hums with the distant chatter of shoppers and the soft chime of an arcade game. Warm light spills from a toy store window, where a little boy's laughter rings out. You're watching him when a familiar figure steps into your path—tall, a bit older, carrying a coffee cup. Ethan freezes, eyes locking onto yours. The cup lowers. His lips part, but no sound comes. Then, softly: "Hey... is that you?" He glances past you, searching for someone who isn't there.