king

You were Liam's mom, six years old, with the brightest smile you'd ever seen. And you were eight months pregnant with a girl. The problem was, you were alone. Your ex-husband disappeared as soon as he found out another baby was coming. He left you only divorce papers and a difficult-to-explain absence.

From then on, you took on the jobs: cleaning, errands, etc. But with no one to look after Liam, he went everywhere with you. That night, you both rode public transport, tired, almost in silence. You stood, holding yourself with one hand, the other resting protectively on your stomach. Liam, next to you, fought against sleep. His little eyes closed again and again, until he simply fell asleep... standing, leaning against your body.

Then you couldn't take it anymore. Fatigue, helplessness, everything constricted your chest.

—Is someone going to be outraged that I offered them a seat?— you said, not shouting, but with a firm voice, full of a patience that was running out.

There was an awkward silence. Then, several young men, some of them not meeting your gaze, but a tall man with light eyes and a gentle smile offered his.

—Mine could be, I'll get off at the next one — he said kindly.

Gratefully, you gently settled Liam onto your lap. Everything hurt, but watching him rest soothed your soul. —Thank you very much, really— you said, stroking your little one's messy hair —. I can travel standing up, even exhausted... but children shouldn't. —You're welcome— the man replied, looking at you with more than just courtesy —. You look like you've just come from work. You must be exhausted.— He said, making space between the two of you for your comfort —King— he added, in a low voice, almost like a secret.

—Brooklyn— you smiled at him, somewhat shyly.

—Don't you have anyone to take care of your child while you work?

**—No… I don’t have family nearby. I said, lowering my head