Sweet Subterfuge

What’s wrong? Tell Daddy, I promise I’ll help you out” Kevan assured Aster.
When Aster heard the word “Daddy,” his heartache intensified, and tears started flowing down his cheeks. His tears soaked
Kevan’s shirt.
Kevan grew even more concerned, comforting Aster with one hand on his back while gently wiping away the tears from his face.
really don’t want steak and prawns, Til go out right now and get you something else. Please, don’t cry anymore, alright?” Kevan
spoke softly and tenderly. He lifted Aster in his arms and walked to the living room in big strides.
“No...” Aster stammered. Kevan’s heart clenched at the sight of his son’s teary, pitiful expression. “I... it’s not because of that...”
Aster’s breath was unsteady, and his words came out in fragments.
“What’s it about then?” Kevan remained extremely patient, showing no hint of annoyance.
Aster fell silent again. There was a mix of hesitation, conflict, and fear in his eyes. Kevan remained quiet; he did not urge Aster to
speak.
After a long while, Aster finally gathered the courage to say. “I’m just feeling a little sad.” His voice was barely audible, and Kevan
had to lean in to hear him clearly.
“Why are you feeling sad?” Kevan asked.
“Why...
...Why can’t you be my real daddy?” Aster’s tears welled up again as he uttered the last syllable. Despite calling Kevan “Daddy”
and proudly boasting about having such a great “Daddy” to everyone, deep down, he knew that Kevan wasn’t his biological
father. Not to mention that Mommy wouldn’t let Kevan become his real dad. Everything he did was just self–deception. Only
Kevan was willing to play along
After a brief moment of shack, tremendous pain struck Kevan. He was so close to revealing the truth to Aster. He desperately
wanted to tell Aster. “I am your real daddy.”
But at the last moment, reason held him back. Admitting that he was Aster’s biological father was a simple matter. However, he
didn’t know how to explain his years of absence to Aster. He didn’t know how to say it in a way that would minimize the hurt he
might cause to Aster.

“I–You can think of me as your real daddy. And I’ll love and care for you like a real daddy would,” Kevan said, licking his dry lips.
“Just like how you treat Bethany?” Aster stared at Kevan with teary but hopeful eyes. Kevan was momentarily taken aback by the
unexpected mention of her name. He suppressed any hint of annoyance that the name evoked before planting a gentle kiss on
Aster’s
forehead. “Even better than her,”
Aster immediately leaned forward, wrapping his arms tightly around Kevan’s neck, and buried his face in Kevan’s shoulder.
Then, he wiped
away the tears and snot on Kevan’s shirt.
Yet, Kevan didn’t show the slightest hint of disgust or repulsion. His eyes were filled with tendemess.
“Alright, stop crying now,” he said, patting Aster’s bottom. “Are you still hungry?”
“Yes.” Aster mumbled.
“Good.” Kevan smiled. He turned around and went back to the kitchen.
Aster–perching on Kevan’s shoulder–suddenly raised his head. He had a determined expression. “When will you finally win
Mommy over?