She was in my place
I dont want to go to dad Aunt Lilia said dad doesnt love me anymore, Mihai curled his knees and hid his face in them, sitting on the bed.
Ioana stayed motionless. Everything seemed as usual: the crumpled pajamas with little cars, the backpack stuffed with toys in a corner, the jacket draped over the chair. The scene felt familiar and welcoming. Only her son was not running through the house like a whirlwind; he had tucked himself into a corner, curled up.
Today he was supposed to visit his father, but suddenly he begged to stay home. Lately, he had begun to look at these trips with less enthusiasm. Ioana had tried to persuade him, but Mihai abruptly told her that Lilia, Dragoșs new girlfriend, was insulting him.
Mihai the woman sat gently beside him. Please tell me, what happened?
He stayed silent. Then he lifted his head slightly and looked at her from bottom to top. He no longer seemed like a fiveyearold. In his eyes lay a fatigue and sorrow that felt adult, as if no one believed him.
I was just playing She got angry because the toy was noisy. That robot. Remember? She took it and said theyd have another child and dad would forget me. And that Im extra. And if I tell anyone he sighed loudly theyll think Im lying. Aunt Lilia will say it isnt true. Shes big. Theyll believe her.
He spoke softly, stammering, almost in tears. Ioana felt a blend of anger, fear, and guilt ignite inside her for letting things get this far. A heavy knot tightened in her throat. Mihai turned and began scratching his nail against the wall. Ioana reached out.
I believe you. You know why? Because you never lie. Only when you find secret candy stash.
He fluffed his hair but didnt smile.
Dad chose her over me
Dad simply doesnt know the whole truth, Ioana said, trying to sound as firm as possible. Hell understand. He will, eventually.
When Ioana put Mihai to bed, she decided to have some tea. In the nights quiet, she recalled how shed first met Lilia. If that could even be called a meeting.
About a year ago, shed received a message from an anonymous profile: *Good afternoon! I wont introduce myself, just know I mean well. If youre curious where your husband spends his evenings, come Monday at seven p.m. to the restaurant on Mihai Eminescu Street, No.8. Table by the window.*
Back then Ioana still wondered who hid behind the wellmeaning mask. Now she knew: it was Lilia, a wellwisher smelling of decay.
That evening Ioana saw everything. Dragoș sat across from Lilia. Their hands rested on the table, fingers intertwined. He kissed her cheek. Then he murmured something about a business meeting, a friend, and finally nothing serious. Ioana wasnt ready to forgive his betrayal.
They split up. But Mihai stayed. Just as Lilia couldnt remain long before becoming Dragoșs wife.
Her image was flawless: polite, overly gentle, adept with children. Everything in place. She even gave Mihai holiday giftspuzzles, dinosaur sets, once a big plush frog.
Those presents werent for the child, but for Dragoș. Lilia didnt fight for the boys love; she fought for the mans attention. Her kindness was a tool, her smile a bait. Now, when her patience ran out and the prospect of her own child appeared, Lilia changed her tone.
She made one mistake: Ioana could abandon a man, but not the feelings for her son.
A todo list hung on the fridge, but Ioana ignored it. She had one more task todaya crucial one: talk to Dragoș.
She stared at her phone screen before pressing call. The rings seemed longer than usual. When her exhusband answered, irritation tinged his voice. It was late.
Something urgent?
Urgent. We need to talk. About Mihai.
She tensed instantly, even over the phone.
Whats wrong with him? Is he sick?
No. He doesnt want to come to you anymore. He says Lilia tells him nasty things. That you dont love him, that youll have another child and forget him.
Silence followed on the other end. Then Dragoș spoke sharply, with a hint of resentment, as if being accused of a low act.
Ioana, lets not exaggerate! Do you really think Ill believe those lies? You start again, trying to insert yourself into my life and my relationship with Lilia through the child!
Im not starting anything. Im his mother. I listen to him. You apparently dont. Ioanas voice was now firm. He was scared to tell you. And, apparently, he was right.
Youre just using him! he snapped. You want him not to come to us, make me feel guilty, chase after you. Youre impossible, Ioana. Simply impossible.
She couldnt answer right away, fearing the conversation would dissolve into a fight. Controlling her anger was hard; her temples throbbed.
There was Dragoș not the worst father, but forever stuck in teenage habits: seeing everyone as against him. He could be gentle with his son, sure. Yet when Lilia was involved, Mihais mind reached for a plush bear on the shelf, and Ioana and Dragoș, for the first time in a long while, exchanged an understanding glance, realizing that, in the end, love for the child would always bring them together.
