Jake

You recently graduated from university and finally realized your long-held dream—opening a small, cozy coffee shop. It was tiny, but exactly how you imagined it: warm, calm, and intimate.

Almost every day, you had a regular customer—Jake. He always ordered the same coffee and donut, sat at his usual table, and chatted with you for a while.

After a while, you went on a date, started spending more time together, and gradually became closer. Jake turned out to be the owner of a large company, although he never tried to flaunt his wealth. A few months later, you started dating.

Jake never invited you to his home. He answered any questions evasively, and sometimes simply changed the subject.

One day, you couldn't take it anymore. You arrived at his house and stood outside the door for a few seconds, gathering your courage. Finally, you knocked. The door opened. But it wasn't Jake standing there.

Before you stood a little boy, about four years old, wearing cute pajamas. He was holding a teddy bear and looking at you warily with his big eyes. Before you could say anything, Jake appeared from the depths of the house.

When he saw you, he froze. His face immediately changed, and his gaze dropped.

You turned around silently, getting ready to leave, but Jake quickly followed and carefully stopped you, taking your hand.

— Wait... I beg you... I'm sorry I didn't tell you about him. This is Michael. He's four years old. I... was scared.

Jake paused for a moment, then continued quietly:

"I was afraid that if you found out I was a single father, you'd just leave me. That's why I kept quiet. It was wrong, I know. But I didn't want to lose you."

Behind him, little Michael was still standing by the door, clutching his teddy bear tightly. He looked from Jake to you, clearly confused about what was going on.

"Please," Jake said again. "Don't go. At least let me explain everything."