The New Dad Project"

My son and I were in a car crash on our way to confront my husband. When we woke up, we couldn't remember a thing.

And my husband, a psychologist, left us to travel the world with his old flame and her daughter, both of whom he claimed were suffering from severe depression.

Eventually, our memories started to return.

He noticed that the amnesia had changed us. We were quieter, more compliant. Independent. At first, he seemed pleased with himself, confident that he had perfectly balanced his family and his obligations to his old flame.

That lasted until New Year's Eve. He spent the holiday with them, and when he finally came home, he overheard a conversation between my son and me through the front door.

My son asked, Mommy, is that man really my dad? It feels weird every time I have to call him that.

I nodded. I know what you mean. Hes not my type at all. I have no idea why I ever married him.

My sons eyes lit up. Mommy, you like Mr. Reed, dont you? Every time he sees you after school, his ears turn so red they look like theyre about to bleed. And hes always making up excuses to drive us home I think youve got a shot!

I blushed and was about to shush him when he leaned in close. He whispered in a voice he thought was quiet but was perfectly audible from the hallway, Mommy what if we just got a new dad?

1.

For dinner, Id ordered two servings of ghost pepper wings. My son and I were sweating profusely, our mouths on fire, when a familiar yet distant voice cut through the air from behind us.

You didnt wait for me?

We both flinched. Turning around, we saw a handsome man standing in the doorway, a chill radiating from him that had nothing to do with the winter air. His features were a clear echo of our sons.

It was Alistair Finch.

My husband. My sons father.

He stepped closer, his brow furrowing in disgust at the sight of our grease-stained mouths and the fiery wings on the table. Weve been married for six years. Dont you know I have a stomach condition? I cant eat anything spicy.

My son, Noah, still gnawing on a wing, mumbled, We didnt get them for you. These are for us.

Alistair froze.

I forced a dry laugh, trying to smooth things over. Well, I saw on your social feed that you were at the amusement park with Serena and her daughter. I just assumed youd be eating with them

Nina, he cut me off, his voice laced with its usual impatience. Ive explained this. Serena and her daughter were abandoned by her husband. They have severe depression. Im their doctor. Its my professional duty.

And you? he continued, his tone turning colder. As a wife and a mother, not only did you cause a scene at my clinic, but youve taught Noah to be nothing but a jealous, petty child.

He paused, his voice dropping to an icy whisper. Wasnt the car crash enough to make you two learn your lesson?

The memories flooded back.

I remembered the moment I found out his round-the-clock patient care was actually for his high school sweetheart. Id taken Noah and stormed his clinic to confront him.

He had pulled us into a corner, his face a mask of weary resignation. This is exactly why I didnt tell you. Im a doctor, Nina. I cant just abandon my patients. Its irresponsible.

Dont you dare make a scene in front of them with our son.

His calm, clinical tone made Noah and me feel like a pair of hysterical lunatics.

So, Id hired people to hold up banners outside his clinic: SERENA AND DAUGHTER SEDUCE MARRIED MAN.

Noah had taken a megaphone to kindergarten and chased her daughter, Poppy, around the playground, shouting, Her moms a homewrecker! Dont play with her!

After that, Serena and Poppy had a public breakdown, threatening to jump from a building. To force us to back down, Alistair got me fired from my job and made sure Noah was ostracized at school.

I finally shattered, threatening divorce. He relented, promising to keep his distance from them.

And we believed him.

We even booked a trip for our five-year anniversary, counting down the days to his rare vacation. We went to pick him up from the clinic, hearts full of excitement, only to receive a single, cold phone call.

A last-minute work trip. Well have to postpone the vacation.

We left, heartbroken. But as we rounded the corner, we overheard his colleagues chatting and laughing.

Dr. Finch is really dedicated to that Ms. Serena, isnt he? Taking a six-month leave of absence just to oversee their recovery therapy!

I know! I heard theyre on their way to the airport right now. Hes personally escorting them.

A roaring filled my ears, and a raw, physical pain tore through my chest. Before the tears could fall, I saw Noahs small, pale face looking up at me, fat tears rolling down his cheeks. His voice trembled.

Mommy does Daddy does he really not want us anymore?

That single question made my sanity crumble.

I grabbed his hand and we ran, a desperate need for an answer propelling us forward. We had to know.

Did he still want this family, or not?

We never caught up to him. The car crash came first.

When we woke up, the world was a blank slate. We only remembered each other. And he, in turn, simply let us be forgotten.

The memories receded.

Noah and I exchanged an awkward glance. The facts were back, but the feelings werent. We couldn't even comprehend the hysterical people we used to be.

We stammered out apologies and promised we would never bother them again.

Alistairs expression only darkened. After a long silence, he slipped back into his familiar role of the one in control.

Im taking them to the national park for a therapy session tomorrow. I need you to pack a lunch for three.

And Noah, I need you to prepare a second set of your class notes for Poppy.

He turned to leave, adding over his shoulder, Youd be wise to keep your promise this time. No more embarrassing behavior.

The door clicked shut.

Noah and I looked at each other and shrugged in unison.

Then, I pulled out my phone and ordered a deluxe catered lunch to be delivered to the park for three.

Noah messaged his teacher and politely requested a digital copy of the class materials.

As for tomorrow?

We already had plans to go hiking with Mr. Reed.

We didnt have time to worry about them.

2.

Early the next morning, Serenas soft voice drifted from the living room.

Alistair, is it just going to be us? Maybe maybe we should ask Nina and Noah to come? Im worried theyll get the wrong idea. Its not about me, of course, but Poppy is so fragile

Poppys small voice chimed in. Its okay, Mommy. Im fine. Noah he didnt mean it.

Alistairs tone was gentle. Its okay, Poppy. Dont worry about it. If we bring them, theres no telling what kind of scene theyll make. It wouldnt be good for your recovery.

I sighed, rolled over, and drifted back to sleep.

The next time I opened my eyes, I was being dragged from my bed by a rough hand.

Alistair was practically hauling me into the living room.

Look at what your perfect son has done! he seethed, his voice a low growl. Just look at what he did to Poppy!

Serena was cradling a trembling Poppy, who was covered in food stains, her eyes red from crying. My son was sitting amidst a mess of spilled food, his small hands clutching three lunch containers to his chest. His face was blotchy and red, and huge tears splashed onto the floor.

I didnt push her! he cried out. Shes a thief! She stole the lunch Mommy made for me! I was just trying to get it back!

Alistair didnt even glance at him. He was meticulously wiping Poppys face with a wet cloth, murmuring comforting words to Serena. Only after he was finished did he turn to me, a look of weary, I-told-you-so exhaustion in his eyes.

Nina, just because I asked you to make a couple of extra lunches, you had to stoop to this? Teaching your son to pull these kinds of disgusting stunts?

You made a promise just last night. Did you forget already?

I took a deep breath, trying to remain patient.

I didnt do anything, and I believe Noah is telling the truth. I put your lunches on the dining table. Maybe Poppy just grabbed the wrong ones by mistake

Enough, Alistair snapped, his eyes dismissing me as if I were a terrible actress in a cheap play.

Stop the performance. I havent forgotten what you two are capable of. The apple doesnt fall far from the tree. You need to take a long, hard look at yourself and figure out how to be a proper mother.

The words died in my throat.

I remembered our agreement. We would each take a step back. As long as he kept his distance from Serena, we would be fine. After that, he did start coming home on time, reporting his every move.

But if Poppy so much as scraped her knee at kindergarten, he would be the first one there, forcing Noah to apologize without even hearing his side of the story. When Noah tried to defend himself, Alistair would just stare at me coldly.

Nina, is your promise really that worthless? Stop this. Dont exhaust all of my patience, all of my affection for you. If it comes to that, there will be nothing left for us to say.

The worst time, he had thrown the words at me like stones: A son with a heart this black is no son of mine.

Noah was too young to bear such a thing. He had chased him out of the house, barefoot, his feet bleeding on the pavement, clinging to his fathers coat and confessing to crimes he never committed.

Daddy! Im sorry! It was all my fault! Ill never do it again! Ill tell Poppy Im sorry!

Please dont leave me and Mommy!

From that day on, my son never tried to defend himself again.

I let out a soft sigh. What was the point of explaining? In his eyes, we were already convicted felons with a long history of offenses.

I pulled Noah into my arms, my voice low and steady. Noah, give them the lunchboxes.

His small body went rigid. Then, he scrubbed his face hard with the back of his hand, gave up the fight, and silently pushed the containers hed been guarding so fiercely across the floor.

Alistair didn't look at us again. He bent down, scooped Poppy into his arms, and placed a steadying hand on Serenas back, shielding them both as he turned and walked out the door.

SLAM!

The sound of the door was sharp and final, leaving the apartment in a dead, suffocating silence.

It was just me and my son, surrounded by the mess on the floor.

I quietly picked up a cloth and began to clean. Noah knelt down beside me, helping to pick up the scattered items. After a while, I asked softly, Noah, if one day Mommy and Daddy arent together anymore

Who would you want to live with?

I had asked him this once before, during the worst of our fights. He had sobbed his heart out then.

I dont want you to split up! I want our family to be together forever!

But this time, he didn't hesitate. He looked up at me, his eyes clear and certain.

Ill stay with Mommy.

No matter what happens, Im with you, Mommy.

I looked at him, and a real smile spread across my face, the warmth of it melting away the last bit of ice in my heart.

I ruffled his hair.

Okay.

Then there was nothing left to be afraid of.

3.

Just as I wiped up the last of the mess, the doorbell rang.

Ms. Finch? Noah? Are you home?

Noahs eyes lit up. Its Mr. Reed! He scampered to the door and threw it open.

Outside, a handsome young man with a kind face knelt down just in time to catch the small boy who launched himself into his arms. Seeing his red, swollen eyes, Mark Reeds voice softened instantly. What happened, Noah? Have you been crying?

The little guy buried his face in Marks shoulder and let out a muffled, heartbroken sob. The lunch Mommy made they took it

Its okay, Mark said, gently patting his back. Mr. Reed made new ones. All of your and Mommys favorites.

He had a magic touch with kids. In a few sentences, Noahs tears had turned to a watery smile.

Mark finally looked up at me, a slightly apologetic smile on his face. Im sorry to intrude, Ms. Finch. You didnt answer your phone, and I got a little worried.

Please, dont say that, I said quickly. You saved our lives, Mr. Reed. Call me Nina.

Six months ago, after the crash, it was Mark who had pulled us from the mangled car, running every red light to get us to the hospital. When he learned we had partial amnesia and our reflexes were slow, he took it upon himself to cook for us every day and handle Noahs school drop-offs and pick-ups.

Once our memories returned, he had gracefully retreated to a polite distance. But not long after hearing the full story of what led to the accident, he had somehow become Noahs new kindergarten teacher.

The tips of Marks ears turned pink. Nina, he said softly. Ive planned out the hiking route. We should get going.

He was as good as his word; everything was perfectly organized. He took all the heavy bags from me without a second thought. When Noah got tired, he knelt down effortlessly. Hop on, Noah.

I felt a pang of guilt. Dont spoil him, Mark. Youre already carrying so much.

He just smiled, his hand hovering protectively near my back. Its nothing. I work out. I can handle it.

For some reason, looking at his clean-cut profile, my heart started to beat a little faster. The feeling hadnt subsided even when we reached a rest area and he took Noah to buy some water.

Just then, a small, familiar voice called out from a distance behind me.

Daddy! Lets race!

It was followed by Serenas cheerful tone. Poppy, slow down! Youll fall.

And finally, Alistairs laughing reply. Princess Poppy, Daddys gonna catch you!

I turned my head and my eyes locked with the three of them standing not far away.