Tangled Hearts

Finn's POV

17 years ago – '6 year old Finn'

The storm outside is angry, the thunder shaking the house so hard it rattles my bed. I clutch Mr. Dinosaur close to my chest, my heart racing. I slip out from under the covers, my small feet padding softly down the hall toward Mum and Dad's room.

The door creaks open as I push it, my voice trembling. "Mummy?"

Dad's sitting on the edge of the bed, the soft light casting shadows across his face. His eyes flick up from the paper in his hands. He's been crying—his eyes are red, but that can't be right. Dad doesn't cry.

"Finn?" he says, his voice low, thick. "Did the thunder wake you?"

I nod, clutching Mr. Dinosaur tighter. "Where's Mummy?"

Something flickers in his expression, and his eyes get shiny again, but he wipes them quickly, trying to hide it. "Mummy's not around right now."

"When is she coming back?"

He hesitates, his throat working like he's swallowing something hard. "Not anytime soon..."

I don't wait for the rest of his answer. I run. Down the hall, to the kitchen where she bakes her famous treats. To the coat closet where she keeps her jackets. But she's nowhere. She's gone.

Present Day

Seventeen years later, and that memory feels like a weight I've never quite managed to shrug off. Now she's standing in front of me—my mother, with the same soft brown eyes and the mole just beneath one of them. Only now, those eyes are filled with regret, and her face—older, worn—is a ghost of the woman who used to kiss my bruises and make the bad dreams go away.

I swallow, but the lump in my throat won't budge. "Mum?" The word comes out hoarse, barely a whisper, but I can't stop the flood of emotions surging through me.

Her lips tremble, and tears well up in her eyes, mirroring the ones threatening to spill from mine. "Finnley," she breathes, her voice thick with unshed tears. "I've missed you so much."

Her touch is warm and gentle, and I feel like a child again, seeking comfort in my mother's arms. I pull her into a tight embrace, not caring about the people around us or the curious glances we might be getting. All that matters is that my mother is here, right in front of me.

Lily stands a few steps back, giving us space but watching with a tender, supportive expression. Her presence is a grounding force amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

"Mum, why now?" I manage to ask, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. "Why did you leave?"

She looks down, the guilt and sadness etched into her features. "I made mistakes, Finn. I thought it was best for everyone, but I was wrong. I've been trying to find you, to make things right."

I nod, swallowing hard. "I needed you, Mum. I needed you all those years."

Her face crumples, and she hugs me tighter. "I know, sweetheart. But I'm here now, and I want to be a part of your life if you'll let me."

I glance over at Lily, who steps forward, her hand finding mine. She gives me a reassuring squeeze.

"Mum, this is Lily," I say, my voice steadier now. "She's my girlfriend."

Mum turns to Lily, her eyes softening even more. "Lily, it's wonderful to meet you."

Lily smiles warmly. "It's lovely to meet you too."