Chapter 28: Chapter 28

“It's okay, just eat again. Oh, how can you be this skinny just by leaving for a few days ... “said Greta as she pulled Alex towards the dining table.

Even though Alex refuses and says he has eaten, but it doesn't affect his mother at all. Alex can see and feel how his mom cares for him, indeed he is a little too much in showing his affection, but it makes Alex felt adored.

Alex also glanced at his dad who remained standing on the edge while staring at him. His father went on silent saying nothing. He looks cold, but actually, he keeps all his joy because Eddie is not someone who can express his feelings.

He just stood still, watching how his wife and children ate together with joy. Eddie kept quietly hiding his happiness, I don't know what he thought, so he couldn't show how happy he was and hid his smile. Maybe the figure of a good dad in his mind has a different image, or maybe he just has a little of pride to show it.

Eddie then left his wife and children who were smiling and disappeared from their sight. He sat in his study while staring at a a picture of him carrying Alex when his son was 7 years old.

He looked at the photo and rubbed it as if it was precious to him. Yes, Eddie can remember how he used to cry when his son was born. His whole life he fought for his son, he will give anything for him. They used to be very close and always been together, but as Alex got older, he thought Alex should be treated with toughness and discipline. He thought it was the best way to educate his son in this tough world. But that only took them indeed further.

He didn't indeed know since when they drifted away, spoke and then turned into strangers. Sometimes parents are always so with their idealistic in educating, they only focus on the goal without paying attention to the process. Until when they realized something was wrong, but the distance between parents and children had already expanded. Without realizing it, they have lowered their child's mentality by making him unaware that they love their child.

And then he realized that the little things they used to do, but they didn't think were important were the things that made them happy. Like when he saw Alex eating at the dining table accompanied by his wife and two daughters. Yes, the togetherness that we always take is the thing we miss the most and make us happiest.

His cellphone rang. Eddie still reached into the cellphone in his pants pocket. Noah Collin's name appears on his cellphone screen. Eddie picked up the phone, then stood up and walked toward the window. He also stood staring out the window.

“So, are you happy now? Alex is back, right? “ Asked Mr. Collin.

“Yes, thanks Noah, for helping me.” Said Eddie.

“No need to be grateful, how could I ignore my friend who asked for my help in return when I need help, help me.” Mr. Collin's words made Eddie smile because he knew it was just a joke. He knew because the Noah Collin he knew would always try to solve his problems.

“So, did you tell Alex that you miss him like you told me?” asked Mr. Collin but Eddie was silent and it made Mr. Collin sigh

“You have only one flaw, be a little open, don't be stubborn and close your heart. Sometimes saying what you feel will not lower your degree. Sometimes we also have to apologize and show how much we care and love our children because if we don't do it, our relationship with our children will go elsewhere. “ Said Mr. Collin to advise his friend.

Eddie was silent and thoughtful as he stared out the window. His best friend's words made him remember why he and Alex had changed and stay away from each other, indeed though they were very close before. He didn't want to admit it, but it was true. He always refuses to apologize and never shows his concern in front of his children, maybe that's what makes his relationship and Alex not so good and even distances himself from each other.

Because every child wants love and attention from their parents. But sometimes parents think too much in showing their love, so they don't know that what they want is not love, which has to go through a lot of study so that its existence can be felt and proven. Their happiness is something as small as having dinner together, being able to communicate like friends and always talking to them. It's nothing big but just taking the time to talk to them.

Knock Knock ....

There was a knock on the door. Eddie hung up the phone and seated down in his chair. Eddie knew that there were only two people who would come to his office, his wife or Alex. He sat down and put his document on the table. While pretending that he was struggling with his work documents, Eddie invited the person who knocked on his door to enter.

The door opened and Gretta entered her husband's work room. She smiled, seeing Eddie pretending to be busy with his job. She also walked over to Eddie and then wrapped her hands around Eddie's neck from behind. She then kissed her husband's right cheek and put her chin on her beloved husband's shoulder. Eddie wiped Gretta's hand and smiled as he glanced at his wife's beautiful face. He was happy because it had been a long time since they last made out like this.

“Thank you for bringing our son home.” Gretta whispered in Eddie's ear.

“I did nothing, he went home alone ...” replied Eddie

“I've known you for a long time. Did you think I don't know you truly well? I married you because I know you have a good heart. You may not show it, but I can feel it.” Said Gretta.

Eddie wiped his wife's hand, and they smiled, and then they kissed. Yes, Gretta knows her husband very well. Even though he pretends to be cold and strong, she knows that deep down, Eddie has a soft heart. He just wasn't able to express his feelings. Other people might think it was his weakness, but to Gretta it was the reason she loved him so much. Because she can see what no one else can.