Last updated on October 17th, 2025 at 02:35 pm
My heart starts beating rapidly in my chest. I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. I have a feeling that Joe wants to ask about Eliam. Maybe it’s the little time we had in the past, but I know him enough to know some things that he can do. He’s very curious and smart, street smart and book smart, and very little gets by him except that he wants it to.
The thing is that I don’t know what to say to him if he asks. Not that I want to lie, but I only started coming to terms with Eliam’s significance in my life. I have not given much thought to what happens when people outrightly ask, especially someone like Joe. What would his reaction be if I told the truth without stalling? Because either way, I’m going to tell the truth. I wait for his message which takes a little longer than his average of ten seconds. Yes, I’ve counted.
Okay, I’m going to be a little direct but you’re not obligated to give me an answer immediately. J
Joe, ask already! I almost scream. Then he sends a picture of Eliam and me.
Is he yours? J
I’m hit with different kinds of emotions as I stare at the picture that I took of my baby and me on Valentine’s Day. We’re both staring at the chicken on our plate with a goofy smile. Eliam brings out the silliness in me. I’m also surprised and moved by the fact that I want to beat my chest proudly and say that he is my son. No part of me wants to hide him. Maybe it’s because it’s Joe who asked and not someone else. I just don’t feel judged with him.
Yes. He is my son. He is going to be five in June. I decide to come clean and let him do the maths. As soon as I hit send, my heart starts beating fast again. Moment of truth. Did I say too much?
Wow! As soon as I saw this picture, I knew something was up. J
He attaches the first picture I shared, the one where, coincidentally, we were both eating samosas. I think we have a shared passion for food. It pleases me a bit to know that Joe saved pictures of me, even though technically it’s of Eliam and me, and it’s only out of curiosity.
Well, you’ve confirmed now. Any other thing?
Yeah, many other things. A lot of things even. J
Can we talk more later today, after work? Are you fine with me video calling you now? J
We both know the reason he emphasised the ‘now.’ Now that he finally knows. I smile sadly, a sense of loss subtly overwhelming me.
Sure sure. Talk to you later. Bye
I drop my phone and finally focus on the work that pays my bills. Even as I dread the remaining hours I have to spend at work, I am also excited that I get to chat with Joe at the end of the day. It’s like a reward for my hard work.
I remember that Zabby is onto me and mentally file it under our ‘to be shared’ information. Not that there’s any gist that can’t be shared with her, it’s only always a matter of time. I stifle a laugh as I recall her pursuing me the other day. Somehow, I get the boost to work for the rest of the day.
