It was unexpected for Simon. Coming to his hometown always brought back too many unpleasant memories, which he wanted to bury in his memory far and forever. But still, he was here. Because it was Mom's birthday.

He took a week off and bought a one-way ticket. No matter how harsh he looked, he still benefited from spending time with his family. His mother, who smiled more often than in his entire childhood, and constantly gently stroked his hand when he brought her tea into the living room. Tommy, who lived with his wife two houses away, and who has grown into the most wonderful man. Especially considering their shared childhood.

Early summer was a quiet, peaceful season. And when Simon wasn't exercising in the backyard or helping his mom fix a small fence in the garden, he loved spending time with his nephew.

Jack was a five-year-old boy who inherited his looks from his sister-in-law, and his energetic temper from his brother. Simon never thought he could be good with kids, but God, he couldn't stop smiling when the boy shouted "Uncle Si, again!", asking to lift him into the air on his bicep.

And now, when he saw the boy running out of the daycare playground, he couldn't suppress a smile. Jack ran up to him with a big childish smile and grabbed his leg.

"Uncle Si! Where's Dad?"

"Hey, buddy." He said, patting the boy's hair. "Dad and ma are late at work. Let's spend some time at Grandma's, shall we?"

The boy nodded, and then looked at another boy walking outside the daycare playground.

"Bye, Alex." Jack said.

A boy with blond hair and hazel eyes waved at him, quickly shifting his gaze to Simon, and then extending his hand to his mother.

And when Simon's gaze collided with yours, extending your hand towards your son, he got slapped with memories.

You. Summer, six years ago, before his long mission in Syria. Summer in this town, shared memories of school. Laughter through another sip of whiskey, then a tentative touch. Kisses to the car, a fast ride, an open front door, entwined tongues and hands…

"Mom, can we buy donuts?"

Mom? Could this boy be... his son?