Aurora
“Ethan, you are awake, thank the goddess.” I came to his side in a flash, grabbing his hands and rubbing them gently against my cheek. My eyes were already clouded with tears of joy, I felt so relieved to see him.
“Aurora, I… you” he tried to speak with his hoarse voice.
“Shh… Don’t say anything, let me check your vitals” I said as I began the check up.
He fell quiet, his eyes were on me, following my every movement. I pushed aside the fluttering feeling in my heart from his gaze and finished the check up.
Thankfully, everything was fine and his injury was healing properly.
“I’m sorry, Aurora” Ethan spoke up as soon as I helped him go sit up on the bed.
I rolled my eyes at him and replied, “How many times are you going to say sorry? Come on now, I have forgiven you”
it was the truth, the past few days had been to reflect on everything and I have forgiven Ethan in my heart, I had let go of the past and the only thing I was concerned about now was the future. What happens now?
“So you are not leaving with Arne?” he asked with hopeful eyes.
I chuckled and answered, “No, silly. I am not leaving. Arne deserve to be with his father”
“Oh Thank the goddess. Aurora, I know I have been a real piece of work to you in the past but it is now time for a new beginning. I want to live the rest of my life with you and our son, my priority is to make you both happy. No more indecisiveness or problems, whatever comes next, we will tackle together” He said with a serious face.
I stay quiet for a moment, processing his words. I did feel a little reluctance towards his forever happily idea because what was the assurance that we would be allowed happiness? Was all the problems really over?
Sadly, there was no way to see the future and know. It was simply a blind decision to make and for one didn't want to regret it later.
But then, looking at Ethan's face that was full of longing, I knew that I mirrored his expression too. Deep down I craved it, just us as a family, it was all I ever wanted for over ten years now. Funny how it took so much time and hardship to get to this point. Was it worth it? Maybe…
And then Arne was there too. I didn't want to separate him from his father. They already had a lot of bonding and catching up to do to recover for the past ten years. I knew how much he has always wanted a father, I couldn't and wouldn't deny him that.
So I smiled wide and nodded in agreement, “Okay, we will tackle whatever comes together” I said.
I felt a certain weight lift off my shoulders as soon as I said those words, I felt lighter and happier, like the puzzle was finally put in place to fit.
“I love you, Aurora. I love you so much, thank you for making me a happy man” Ethan said and pulled me in for a hug. I heard him wince from the impact of my body on his chest and I immediately made to pull away but he tightened his hand around me.
“I’m fine, don't worry. Your warmth is all I need to heal me” Ethan whispered in a low but audible voice inciting butterflies in my stomach. To think that as old as I am, I could still feel butterflies.
We stayed like that for a few minutes before I pulled away and said, “Arne is right outside the room, let me get him, he will be so happy that you are awake” Ethan nodded in agreement and I quickly left to get Arne.
Arne was drawing quietly while seated on the waiting bench outside when I approached him, “Hey buddy, would you like to see your father?” I asked with a grin.
Arne immediately dropped the drawing book he was holding and almost jumped out of his seat, “Is he awake?” he asked with hopeful eyes which reminded me of Ethan's similar facial expression.
They are really father and son…
I nodded, barely able to contain my excitement.
He needed no other answer, he ran into the room and I followed after him in the same place.
“Dad, you awake!” he said as soon as he saw Ethan.
Ethan's eyes lit up as well and he opened his arms for a hug to which Arne ran into in excitement.
“Be careful!” I warned worriedly but it fell on deaf ears as the duo locked in on a passionate loving hug.
“You were asleep for so long, Dad, we were worried” Arne said.
“I know, my son. I'm here now and I am not sleeping for that long ever again” Ethan replied with teary eyes.
“Good. But why are you crying?” Arne asked as he pulled away slightly to look at Ethan's face.
“It’s tears of joy, my son. Happy tears. I'm so happy” Ethan pulled him in for another hug while his loving gaze fell on me.
“I am very happy too. I now have a father” Arne replied.
Ethan laughed and placed a kiss on his forehead, “And I now have a son”
My heart melted seeing them so close, I sniffled to push back the tears that threatened to fall. These days my eyes were always wet too easily but I loved it. I didn't feel anxious anymore when I saw them like that, only happiness. My little family.
No matter what was thrown at us, we survived and came back stronger. I was beyond satisfied, as long as we were together then we will go through life problems together. It was way better than being separated.
This was my definition of perfect. Ethan and Arne… my boys.