Chapter 7. Son vs. Mother
Chapter 7: Son vs. Mother
Madness, it seemed, was contagious.
Otherwise, Andy couldn’t explain why he’d actually sent his mother’s hair for DNA testing. As he’d gotten older, while never saying it aloud, he’d gradually accepted the reality that his mother wouldn’t be coming back.
Memories he thought were faded became startlingly clear.
How much could a six–year–old remember?
Too much.
He remembered his mother making phonics flashcards for him, taking him to the zoo, telling him bedtime stories…
Andy sat on the sofa, lost in time, his mind flooded with memories, a feeling of otherworldliness leaving him strangely empty.
This woman was too much like his mother; even the way she called him “baby” was identical.
The more memories surfaced, the more unsettling it became.
At 8 AM, Andy received an email: the expedited DNA test results.
He told himself it was just to see what this woman was up to.
But the trembling of his finger as he touched the screen betrayed his true feelings. There was anticipation, a hint of nervousness; maybe, just maybe, there was a miracle.
He opened the email.
A miracle had occurred.
Andy froze.
He couldn’t describe his emotions.
The report was irrefutable.
Disbelief washed over him.
He grabbed his phone and called the mansion.
“Baby, it’s Mom. Where are you? Let’s talk in person, okay?”
Hearing that familiar voice, Andy’s eyelashes fluttered,
He struggled to keep his voice steady.
“I’ll be home for lunch.”
He needed confirmation.
“Okay, Mom will be waiting.”
He hung up, heading to the bathroom, his mind a million miles away.
He needed to think.
To process everything.
Lily was elated.
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Chapter 7: Son vs. Mother
She knew he’d seen the results.
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John poured cold water on her joy, “Andy is very cautious. Even with irrefutable proof, if he finds it illogical, he won’t believe it.”
Lily’s smile faltered.
Arms crossed, she huffed, “Andy wasn’t so stubborn as a child.”
She was genuine; she could withstand the scrutiny.
She stood, looking down at John.“We’ll settle the score later!”
“Andy loves my sweet and sour pork ribs. I’m going to cook.”
She headed to the kitchen, ignoring him.
John frowned.
He loved sweet and sour pork ribs too.
Lily used to say he was her favorite.
She’d obviously lied!
As John predicted, Andy didn’t acknowledge Lily upon his arrival.
She wasn’t disheartened; she’d prepared herself while cooking. She knew that Andy need time to accept it.
“Andy, I made your favorite sweet and sour pork ribs!”
Ignoring
his cold demeanor, Lily cheerfully beckoned him to the table
Andy remained motionless.
“I want to talk to you alone.”
Lily paused, removing her apron.
“Okay, go to the study. I’ll be right there.”
Andy nodded and went to the study.
He avoided eye contact with John, who seemed unsurprised by his behavior. In the study,
Lily and Andy sat facing each other.
“Why did you pretend to be scared of bugs when you’re not afraid of them?” Andy asked, out of the blue.
Lily laughed.“When you were five, you’d scream and jump three feet in the air at the sight of bugs. I thought, when you date, you can’t compete with a girl over who screams louder, right? My son should be the hero who saves the day.”
If I pretended to be scared, you’d jump in front of me, saying, ‘Mom, I’ll protect you,‘ and squish the bug. I asked housekeeper to put bugs in our path, and you went from being afraid to fearless…”
As Lily recounted those memories, Andy relaxed.
His question stemmed from a specific memory.
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Chapter 7: Son vs. Mother
As a child, he’d cried, demanding that all bugs disappear.
His mother had looked worried and said:“Oh dear, what will you do when you’re in love?”
It clicked.
Andy asked about many childhood events; his memories of his mother were fragmented. Lily’s stories answered many questions.
His mother’s image became clearer.
Of course, Lily didn’t remember everything.
There were a few things Andy mentioned that she couldn’t recall.
“Andy, do you believe me?”
Lily’s hands clasped nervously.
Andy pursed his lips.“I don’t know.”
Lily felt a surge of confidence.
His willingness to express his feelings meant he was accepting.
“I need more time. I… I’m leaving.”
As if afraid of being pursued, Andy quickly left the study and the house.
He vaguely believed Lily’s identity, but he was unsure how to approach the situation. Could he cling to his mother’s leg like he used to?
No, that wasn’t possible anymore.
Ben years had created distance.
His mind was overwhelmed; he needed time to process.
Lily understood but still felt disappointed.
“Didn’t go well?”
John came over, having seen Andy drive away.
“A mother reappearing after fifteen years, with a fantastical story of time travel.. understandable that he needs time.”
It wasn’t just about acceptance; they needed a new way to relate to each other.
Lily sighed.
Her baby wasn’t six anymore.
John comforted her, “It’s okay. Give it time. He’ll accept it
eventually…
He pulled up a chair for her, then noticed the food on the table, his voice halting.
“The sweet and sour pork ribs?!”
The maid explained, “It’s packed in Andy’s car.”
Lily had instructed this before going to the study, sensing he wouldn’t stay for dinner. She’d had excellent foresight.
John simply nodded, happily serving Lily, appearing composed, though his inner self was inconsolable.
Chapter 7: Son vs. Mother
He should have stopped Andy, for the delicious ribs! Lily’s lips curved into a smile.
Wanting her food? She’ll see how he behaves!
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