That afternoon, Jay hurried through the school gate, Kaisan's little hand clutching hers.
She moved quickly, eyes on her son, thinking about what to make for dinner.
At the same time, Keifer stepped out of the side entrance, heading toward the parking lot.
He was scanning the students for Kaisan, calling his name softly under his breath.
But the timing was off. Jay's path and Keifer's path never crossed.
They walked past the same gate, seconds apart, neither noticing the other.
Kaisan tugged at Jay's hand. "Mom… can we go home now?"
"Of course, baby," Jay replied, unaware that the man Kaisan adored had just passed within feet of her.
Keifer glanced around once more, frowning, not spotting them. "Hmm… must've gone another way," he muttered, sighing softly.
Jay held Kaisan close as they left the school. "Didn't see anyone interesting today, baby?" she asked gently.
Kaisan shook his head. "No… just… Doctor Uncle."
And so, for that day, Jay and Keifer missed each other completely.
Two worlds moving side by side… yet unaware, yet so close.
Kaisan clutched the phone tightly, little fingers gripping the edges like they could hold onto Doctor Uncle through the line.
"Doctor Uncle… today… today was quiet," he began, voice small but full of excitement.
Keifer chuckled softly on the other end. "I know, baby. I missed you too. Did you have fun in class?"
Kaisan nodded, even though Keifer couldn't see him. "I… I did. But it was… it was empty without you. I kept looking… but you didn't come."
Keifer's chest tightened. "I know, baby. I had to finish some work… but I was thinking about you the whole time."
Kaisan's small voice sped up, words tumbling out. "And… and we drew pictures in class! And… and I made a castle in the sandbox! And… Doctor Uncle, do you… do you like my drawing?"
"I love it, baby," Keifer said softly. "I would hang it on my wall if I could."
Kaisan's eyes widened. "Really? You really would?"
"Yes, baby. Really."
Minutes passed, and Kaisan kept talking—longer than usual, words spilling freely. He told Keifer about his day, about small moments he hadn't shared with anyone before.
Keifer listened patiently, chuckling, teasing lightly, giving gentle advice when needed.
"Doctor Uncle… I… I like when you talk to me like this. I… I feel… safe," Kaisan admitted, voice soft.
Keifer's heart ached. "That's because you are safe, baby. And I'll always be here for you, okay? You don't have to be scared or worried."
By the end of the call, Kaisan's small face was flushed with excitement and relief.
He hugged the phone tightly to his cheek. "Mom… Doctor Uncle… he… he really cares. And… I really like him."
Jay watched him quietly from the doorway, heart softening.
For the first time, she realized just how much this man—this Doctor Uncle—had become a part of Kaisan's little world.
And for Kaisan, talking to Keifer had filled the empty spaces of his day… and left him glowing with a happiness he hadn't felt in a long time.
Days turned into weeks, and Jay began to notice a change in Kaisan.
He spent more and more time talking to Keifer on the phone, sharing little stories, little victories, even little worries—things he rarely told anyone, not even her.
"Mom… Doctor Uncle said he's proud of me today!" Kaisan exclaimed one afternoon, bouncing in the living room.
"That's wonderful, baby," Jay said with a soft smile, stirring her tea.
"But he called me his favorite little guy again!" Kaisan giggled, holding up the phone as if showing it off.
Jay watched him and felt a strange tug in her chest.
He was happy, more cheerful than she'd seen in years.
But… he wasn't looking at her like that anymore.
"Mom… can I call him again tonight?" Kaisan asked, eyes bright with excitement.
Jay hesitated. "Of course, baby. But… don't forget to spend some time with me too, okay?"
Kaisan's little frown appeared. "But Mom… Doctor Uncle… he listens to me. He understands me. He's… he's fun."
Jay smiled gently, though her heart ached a little. "I know, baby. I understand. I just… I miss talking to you too."
Kaisan shrugged, already reaching for the phone again.
"Sorry, Mom… but I can't help it. I… I just like Doctor Uncle."
Jay nodded, hiding the pang of jealousy behind a calm smile.
Even at school, he would recount every detail of his conversations with Keifer.
Every small story, every word of praise, every soft reassurance—Kaisan repeated them, glowing, laughing, glowing again.
At home, Jay noticed the gap.
He was still her son, still loving and sweet… but now, Keifer's presence had become the center of his little world.
And though Jay felt a mixture of pride and quiet sadness, she also knew something important:
Kaisan had finally found someone who could give him what she alone couldn't—
The steady, unwavering care of a father figure.
And as she watched him chatter happily into the phone again, she realized…
He was happy. Truly happy.
And that was worth everything.