His younger self

The message baffled Dada. Although it was addressed to someone else, there was no name on the text and what disturbed her the most was the 'You' that the sender was referring to. She re-read the message prior to looking at other messages that popped up.

It felt like somebody was watching her closely. At this feeling, goosebumps grew on her skin.

" A good sense of humour this sender possesses. Well, it's nice to fall in love and get to discover all the great things that love offers. I wish you the best of luck.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, the time has now come closer to the peak of the hour and that marks the end of our show. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, and as a parting gift, I give you Celine Dion's 'I Love You Goodbye'. Until we meet again, it's a great night on my part.

*****

In another part of the city, in a weakly lit room, Atlas laid his body on the headboard with his eyelids sealed. His right leg was lying on top of the bed while the other was hanging freely. His fingers played around with the bronze chain on his left wrist as he listened to the sound system. Hearing the soothing voice coming from the speakers, his lips curved upward as he stared at his phone screen.

"Hey, what are you grinning for? Is there some good news to share?" Another man present in the room asked with amusement obvious on his face.

" Nothing much. I suddenly had a certain person in my head." Atlas answered with the smile still on his lips.

" Are you seeing someone? I have seen a similar smile back then during our university days, and that was the day Samantha finally agreed to be your girlfriend, so am now wondering if someone has agreed to be your girlfriend."

" Really? Am always an ever smiling guy, remember?"

"Of course I do know that, but this is not the usual smile you always wear on your face."

" You have the freedom to say whatever you like. What you may know is that I met someone I'm looking forward to meeting again or perhaps I want to spend my days and nights with. I realised that it's not right for an adult man to be alone with no woman." Still playing with the wrist chain, Atlas preached to the man.

" Finally, our dear Ash has fallen in love again. It's about time you went from your old cages to free yourself. I hope she makes it worth your while." With a clap of his hand, the man said as a smile also appeared on his face. His dark brown eyes shone on glee as he stood up from his seat.

" Very much worth my time and space. And, I think it's time you leave, don't you think so?" Looking at the other man in askance, Atlas questioned. To further emphasize his point, he slipped slowly and lay flat on the bed. He elegantly covered his body with the duvet while staring at the other person expectantly.

Forced to leave, the man had no choice but to take his things and walk to the door. He covered a little distance before he became motionless prior to staring back.

" You are so heartless. You really have the heart to cast me off after I came from BlueSands to see you."

" If you were my kid, I wouldn't kick you out, but unfortunately you're not. Please help me turn out the lights on your way out. Thanks."

" Thanks, my foot. You could have kept that thanks to yourself. And who is that son of yours? Are you referring to the little boy from that time?"

" Who else would I refer to as my son, or maybe you gave me one?"

" If we slept together and I am a woman or if you are one then it would have been possible but now it's totally impossible. Stop dreaming."

Left speechless, the young man stared at Atlas who pretended to have fallen asleep on the bed before snorting loudly.

" Shut up! My little Bambino will be here tomorrow. Keep away from him least you pollute his mind."

" Will be here? Doing what? Isn't he staying at the children's home in Frankstown?"

"Assessment phase. And I would appreciate it if you send some toys over."

" You mean like a test? You are going to be tested on your parenting, is that what you are saying?"

" Sort of. Now, can you leave me alone to rest?"

" Rest from what? You are hardly on stage that some of your fans have forgotten your voice."

" Just go away, Luke. I know you already made plans for the night, and am sure that your wife is waiting for you."

*****

As expected, the child welfare team arrived the following morning, finding Atlas already waiting for them in the front yard.

Donning a white tee and black khaki Chino pants, he looked clean and handsome. On his face was a wide grin which revealed a set of beautiful teeth, but one could still detect the nervousness as his hands shook.

*****

A month and a half had passed by already and a lot of events had happened one after the other. The sun had just risen, and it shone softly on the mortals below.

Another day has come.

Sitting on the recliner chair in his garden, Atlas overlooked the scenery before him with delight. Different and colourful flowers decorated the green land, making it appear like a fantasy land. As it had rained the night before, the ground was moist and a few water puddles graced the earth.

A distance away, a small figure rolled and tossed onto the lush lawn. Someone could hear occasionally soft giggles.

It was none other than August.

Dressed in a pair of denim dungarees and striped tees, the young boy appeared cute. Happiness could be detected in his laughter as his brown orbs shone brightly.

Atlas looked in the small boy's direction as a tiny smile graced his lips. Seeing the happy expression on August's face, he felt content and happy about his decision.

Atlas felt heartache as he remembered the day he met August at the children's home. When he first saw the boy, it was a year ago. That one time made him recall his younger self.

A distance away from him, little August stood erect with his tiny hands on his hips. His ruffled hair was like a bird's nest, while his blue dungarees had mud stains all over. He appeared to be in a daze as he locked his gaze on the ground.

Seeing the expression on the boy's face, Atlas sat up straight. He looked on with curiosity as he waited to see what was going to happen next. Lo-and-behold, the little August didn't disappoint his curiosity.

Atlas saw August falling to his knees while still staring at the ground. The former stood up and walked to the young boy who was oblivious to his approaching figure. Looking down, what greeted Atlas's sight amused him.

The little boy had taken off his shoes. His tiny toes dug and wiggled on the muddy puddle which had formed by the garden tap. Looking lovingly at the boy he regarded as his son, Atlas let out a giggle, which startled the young one.

" DADDY!" August let out a loud shriek as he whipped his head upward in one swift motion.