My Heart Was Wounded Deep
Chapter 1

This is the first time she has met her son since giving birth. Kikan Finix has waited a lifetime for this moment. He counted every breath for the past sixteen years to be able to put his gaze on Jason again.

But despite being very agitated, he had promised himself not to cry, try to hug, or do anything that might make the teenager feel uncomfortable. Kikan was a complete stranger to his son. Although Kikan now hoped that after he returned to his City, he should not be too urgent, or that the boy would not let him get close, even if Jason's father didn't make sure the boy kept his distance. Kikan must have made them both embarrassed. All three are from the same small town, it's impossible to act as if they can hide the fact that Kikan spent Jason's entire life in prison.

A lump stuck in his throat as he watched Jason and his father. Rey Stinson, get off the big Ford pickup and walk a long step towards the entrance of the cafe.

Oh my god, my son is tall, thought Kikan, greedily devouring the scenery in front of him. Jason had grown to be so big, and Kikan had no idea. Even at the age of 35, she is still often mistaken for a much younger woman when not wearing makeup and her hair is pulled back. But Jason shaped and sized his father's body, his field shoulders, a narrow pelvis, and the same long legs.

"sorry. The table for you is ready whenever you want."

Kikan wouldn't have heard the words if the cafe guest's greeters hadn't touched his arm while talking.

It took a lot of effort, but he managed to take his gaze off the window to answer "thank you. My dinner buddy will be here any minute."

"good. Just let me know when you're ready." With a polite smile, the young lady delighted the guest.

God, please, don't let me cry. He won't come near me if I cry.

But the harder he tried to hold back the tears, the more overwhelmed he became. In a panic, Kikan slipped into the small space between the two bathrooms, and leaned his head against the wall.

Breathe in. Don't mess up this meeting.

The doorbell rang, telling Kikan that Rey and Jason had entered the cafe. Kikan imagined the two of them looking around, perhaps irritated when they did not find themselves. But Kikan froze in place. He was right, unable to move.

"Hallo." Kikan heard the guest greeter say with a more familiar attitude that he did not show when greeting Kikan earlier. "We were full this morning as usual on Saturday. But if you want to wait, I'll find you a table."

"Actually we have an appointment with someone who should already be here."

It must have been Rey, but Kikan wasn't sure he recognized the voice. The memories are clear, but they were so young, and Rey has changed so much. He is no longer the squeaky young man Kikan knew in High School, he is now a muscular man with a sturdy body, a man who is in his prime. And it was even clearer when Kikan saw her walking side by side with their son a while earlier.