I had to make a difficult decision when my wife Vanessa reappeared ten years later, carrying a devastating secret, leaving my crippled kid and me behind. Above all, though, I clung to Aiden because I knew that our ties to our families would keep us together. I surveyed the living room, which was jumbled with medical supplies and Aiden’s toys. There was a dense quiet. I kept thinking about Vanessa’s statements from that morning.“James, I can’t handle this any longer. I want my life back.” “What are you saying?” In an attempt to digest the shock, I had inquired. “Aiden…

Though I adore him, he is a hardship. I’m ready to go.” “How can you say that?” My voice was broken. “He’s our son!” But she was set on something already. She gathered her things and walked out of sight. Aiden and I became parents to him on that day. “Hey, buddy, you want to play with the blocks?” Aiden was near the window in his wheelchair when I shouted out to him. His brilliant eyes gleamed, and he grinned broadly. “Dada, blocks!” he exclaimed, laughing and fluttering his hands. I placed the blocks in front of him and observed his attempts to stack them due to his restricted movement. I gained strength from times like these. All of my problems—tiredness, financial hardship, insomnia—went away when I witnessed Aiden’s growth.One evening, Brian came over with a six-pack in hand. “You holding up, man?” “Trying my best,” I sighed. “It’s not easy.” “Vanessa’s a piece of work, leaving you guys like that.” Yes, I mumbled. “But I’m not gonna let her mess with us anymore.” James, you’re doing fantastic. You’re lucky to have Aiden.” I nodded, attempting to convince myself of it. Our neighbor Lucy would frequently stop by with food and volunteer to watch the kids. I had no idea how I would handle things without Brian and Lucy. A decade went by. Vanessa sent me an email one evening. I gazed at the display, my heart racing. “James, I regret everything. I want to see Aiden. I made a huge mistake. Please.” I was filled with rage. How could she? following so many years? “What’s wrong, Dad?” Wheeling himself into the room, Aiden questioned. “Nothin’, little one. Simply said, adult material.” That night, I had trouble sleeping. It was frustrating to imagine Vanessa waltzing back into our life. However, a part of me questioned whether Aiden had a right to know his mother. We gathered at a tiny café.