Eric stood quietly beside Lussy and Emily, hands clasped together, nervous but hopeful.
Eric (softly):
"Can… can I come to your house today? 😕"
Lussy blinked, surprised for a moment, then smiled like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Lussy:
"Of COURSE. If you can't come, then who can? 🥰"
Eric tilted his head.
He still didn't understand why Lussy always made him feel… special.
Eric:
"Huh…? 😕"
Emily giggled and touched his shoulder gently.
Emily:
"Yeah, Eric. You're always welcome. 😊"
Eric's face brightened immediately.
Eric:
"Then I'll tell my mom! 😊"
---
📞 In the Teacher's Office
The teacher handed him her phone.
Eric dialed with practiced calmness—
the kind of calmness kids learn only when they've survived too much.
Eric:
"Mom… I'm going to Devis family's house. 😐"
On the other side, Edy's voice was sweet but sharp, the kind Eric heard his whole life.
Edy:
"Okay, darling. Make sure you do that thing, alright? 🥰"
Her tone twisted something inside him, but he still replied—
Eric (small sad smile):
"…Okay, mom. 🙂"
He returned the phone.
Eric:
"Thank you, ma'am. 😊"
The teacher softened.
Teacher:
"Anytime, sweetheart. 😊"
Eric walked out, trying to shake the sinking feeling in his chest.
Eric:
"Okay! I'm done! 😁"
---
🚗 Waiting Outside the School
The kids stood near the gate.
Eric leaned closer, whispering—
Eric:
"Who… who are we waiting for? 😊"
Thomas (grinning):
"Jonathan uncle. 😊"
Eric:
"Who? 😕"
Thomas:
"Huh? Justin's father!"
Eric blinked.
Before he could reply, a black car stopped at the sidewalk.
Jonathan stepped out—
tall, confident, a hint of mischief always in his eyes.
Jonathan (smirking):
"Oh? Looks like we have a guest today. 😏"
He looked straight at Eric with a warm smile.
But Eric…
looked behind Jonathan.
Jonathan blinked.
Then he walked closer, bending a little.
Jonathan:
"Hey. I'm talking to you, dear. 😊"
Eric again looked past him.
Jonathan finally huffed a small laugh, stepped directly in front of him, and picked him up with both hands as if he weighed nothing.
Jonathan:
"I said I'm talking to you, sweetheart. 😊"
Eric froze.
Eric:
"Huh…? 😶"
But…
he didn't struggle.
He felt safe.
Really safe.
Lussy watched and stepped closer.
Lussy:
"Uncle… he wants to meet Justin. Can we take him home? 😳"
Jonathan raised a brow.
Jonathan:
"Huh? What about his parents? 😕"
Eric answered quietly, eyes lowered.
Eric:
"Mom said it's okay.
And… uncle… I don't have a father. 🙂"
The world stilled.
Lussy, Emily, Thomas—
their jaws dropped.
All the kids:
"😱"
Jonathan?
He froze too.
Jonathan (softly, stunned):
"...Eric…"
Eric wasn't the type to talk about himself.
Never once did he share anything deep with the other children.
That's why the shock hit everyone so hard.
And Jonathan—
holding the small boy in his arms—
felt something heavy and protective tighten inside his chest.
He looked down at Eric's fragile expression, the forced smile, the quiet acceptance.
And his arms around the child subconsciously tightened.
Jonathan (gently, voice warm):
"You're coming with us, dear.
No matter what."
Eric blinked up at him—
eyes widening for a moment
like he'd never been chosen this softly before.
---continue