Chapter 3The Man Who Died Twice

The next morning, I took Leo downstairs for breakfast.

Caleb was there, acting the part of the doting uncle. He was bustling around, serving his "sister-in-law" Sarah and her daughter, looking for all the world like a happy family man.

Before I knew the truth, I used to envy Sarah. I used to think, If Caleb were alive, he’d treat me like that.

Now, the scene just made me sick.

Caleb noticed my pale face and placed a slice of bacon on my plate, then one on Leo’s.

"Elara, eat up. Even if you don't do it for yourself, do it for my nephew. Caleb is gone, you have to stay strong."

He said it so naturally. Talking about himself in the third person like a sociopath.

"Uncle Connor, I can put meat on Mommy's plate!"

Leo suddenly spoke up, moving the bacon with his fork.

Caleb flinched. His hand jerked, knocking over his coffee mug. Brown liquid splashed everywhere.

It was the first time Leo had ever voluntarily called him "Uncle."

Before today, no matter how much we corrected him, Leo insisted on calling him Daddy.

The word "Uncle" hit Caleb like a physical blow.

"Leo... you... you always used to call me Daddy. Why the change?" He tried to keep his voice steady, forcing a smile.

Leo looked him dead in the eye.

"Uncle Connor, I was little before. I got confused. But I’m big now. I know my Daddy died three years ago. Don't worry, I won't make that mistake again."

Caleb stared at him, mouth slightly open, unable to find a single word. Finally, he managed a dry, choked laugh.

"Is that right? Well... good. That's good."

But he couldn't eat. He kept glancing at us, his eyes darting between my face and Leo’s, searching for something.

We ignored him. We ate our breakfast in silence.

The silence made him anxious. Finally, he couldn't take it.

"Even though I'm not Leo's dad, I love him like my own. We're family. If you ever need help, Elara, you come to me. Don't carry the burden alone."

I forced a smile. It didn't reach my eyes.

Was he panicking because his son finally rejected him?

He chose this. He chose to "die."

I put down my fork, wiped Leo’s mouth, and stood up.

I didn't thank him for the food. instead, I looked him straight in the eye.

"You're right, Uncle Connor. But no matter how close we are, you aren't his father. Leo and I... we'll build our own life just fine."