yooongerine

[yooongerine]

SAN WHEN HIS SON HEALS HIM

The day begins like any other, but when you try to help your son with his homework, he becomes frustrated and screams at you, "Leave me alone!" You take a step back, startled, but before you can process it, your son raises his hand and hits you.

Before you can react, San walks in, having heard the commotion. His usual calm and collected demeanor is completely gone, replaced by an intense, almost frightening presence. His voice, usually warm and comforting, now carries a cold, stern edge.

"That’s it," San growls, his eyes narrowing as he steps toward your son. "You do *not* treat your mother like that." His words are quiet but powerful, leaving no room for defiance. "I don’t care how angry you are, you will never hit her again. Ever."

Your son freezes, the weight of San's anger sinking in. The room feels suddenly tense, every second dragging as your son stares at his father, unsure of what will come next. You move to intervene, but San raises his hand slightly, signaling you to hold back.

"San, please," you say, trying to keep the situation from escalating further. "Calm down. Let’s just talk—"

But San’s anger has taken over. His voice is harsh, and his eyes are dark with frustration. "No," he snaps, his tone sharper than you’ve ever heard. "He’s crossed a line, and I will not let it slide. He cannot treat you like this."

The fear in your son’s eyes is evident as he starts to cry, overwhelmed by the intensity in the room. San’s posture softens just a little, but his words are still firm. "Go to your room and think about what you did. We will talk later."

Your son, shaking with fear, runs to his room, leaving you and San standing there in the tense silence.

You rush to your son’s room, pulling him into a tight hug, murmuring that everything will be okay. You reassure him that it’s okay to feel angry, but it's never okay to hurt others, and you promise to help him work through his emotions.

San eventually walks into the room, his expression quieter now, though the anger is still present. He looks at you first, his gaze softening. "I’m sorry for scaring you both," he admits. "I just... I couldn’t let him disrespect you like that."

You nod, your heart still heavy with the weight of the moment. "I know you were just trying to protect me, San. But we need to find a way to help him without scaring him."

San kneels next to your son, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I’m sorry, son," he says, his voice much softer now, but still serious. "You should never hit anyone, especially not your mom. I know you’re upset, but there are other ways to deal with your feelings."

Your son wipes his tears, still looking up at San with wide eyes. "I’m sorry, Mom," he whispers.

San pulls him into a hug, his demeanor now calm, but firm. "We’ll work through this. We’re a family. But you need to learn that respect goes both ways."

The tension in the room dissipates as your son nods, taking in his father’s words, and the three of you begin the process of healing together.

The next day, you’re once again trying to help your son, but the moment you approach him, he screams and hits you for a second time. The sting of his words cuts deeper this time, and your heart aches as you try to process his anger.

Before you can react, San appears in the doorway, his expression hardening instantly. His eyes darken with a fierce, almost terrifying intensity. He steps forward, his jaw clenched tightly.

"You *did* not just hit her again," San growls, his voice dangerous and filled with fury. His entire presence is imposing, and the atmosphere in the room shifts in an instant.

"San, please," you try, stepping in front of your son, trying to calm him. "Don’t—"

San cuts you off, his voice low and menacing. "No," he snaps, his tone more frightening than you’ve ever heard. "This is too far. I will not let my son treat you like this again. You don’t get to hit her, not today, not ever."

Your son, wide-eyed and trembling, takes a step back, his fear mounting. He starts crying, completely overwhelmed by the confrontation. His small body trembles as he stares at his father, unsure of how to react to the anger that’s radiating off him.

"San, stop," you plead again, trying to defuse the situation, but San doesn’t seem to hear you. His eyes are locked on your son, his voice low but cutting. "You need to apologize to your mother. Right now."

Your son, terrified by his father’s anger, continues to cry, and his apology comes out in a choked sob. "I’m sorry, Mom... I didn’t mean it..."

San doesn’t soften, his frustration still evident, and without a word, he storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him. You hurry to your son, pulling him into your arms as he continues to cry, his fear palpable.

"It’s okay," you whisper, stroking his back. "Dad was just angry. He didn’t mean to scare you. But hitting is never okay, no matter what. We can work through this."

You stay with him until he calms down, reassuring him that it’s important to express emotions, but to do so in a respectful way.

A few minutes later, San returns, his posture more relaxed, though there’s still a hint of frustration in his eyes. He kneels down beside your son and places a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I’m sorry for how I reacted," he says, his voice softer now, but with the same serious undertone. "I shouldn’t have scared you. But you need to understand that disrespecting your mom is not something I can ignore."

Your son, wiping his tears, looks up at San, his voice still shaky. "I’m really sorry, Dad... I won’t do it again."

San nods, his voice more soothing now. "I know you’re upset, but there are better ways to deal with that. We’ll work on it together, okay?"

Your son nods quietly, and San pulls him into a hug, his embrace protective but gentle. "I love you, son. We’ll figure this out, but respect and understanding are the foundations of everything in this family."

The tension in the room eases as you comfort your son, knowing that though San’s anger was frightening, his love and care for your family are unwavering.

That night, after everything has calmed down, you and San sit together on the couch, the weight of the day still lingering in the air. San’s usual stoic demeanor is gone, replaced by something softer, more vulnerable. He’s sitting beside you, his head bowed, eyes a little red from earlier.

Suddenly, you feel a gentle shift as San leans into you, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’m sorry," he starts, his words strained with emotion. "I was just so hurt. I can’t stand to see my son treat the most important woman in my life like that. It’s... it’s something I just can’t ignore. I just... I don’t know how to deal with it." His voice cracks, and you can see the guilt in his eyes as he continues. "I’m sorry for what I did, for scaring you... I know I have anger issues. I should’ve handled it better. I should’ve raised him better."

His words tumble out in a rush, like a dam breaking, and he begins to cry softly, his shoulders shaking under the weight of the guilt and frustration he feels. You’re taken aback by the raw vulnerability in his voice, seeing him so broken, so unlike the strong man you’ve always known.

Without saying anything, you pull him close, wrapping your arms around him tightly. You hold him as he cries, your hands gently stroking his hair, offering him the comfort he so clearly needs. You let him let it all out, not rushing to fix things but simply being there with him, sharing the weight of his pain.

"San," you whisper softly, your voice soothing. "You’re the best husband and father anyone could have asked for. You love us both so much, and that’s what matters. I’m proud of you for raising him this way, for being firm, for showing him what respect means. You’re doing so much right, even when you don’t see it. And I’m sorry too... I know I was too soft today. But I’m glad you were firm, it was necessary. You don’t have anger issues, you’re just passionate about protecting us. You’re not perfect, but neither am I. We’re a team, and we’ll get through this together."

San’s sobs slowly subside as you continue to hold him, your words sinking in. His breathing steadies, and after a moment, he pulls away slightly, looking up at you with red-rimmed eyes. "I just... I don’t want to mess this up. I want to be the best for you and for him."

You smile softly, brushing a tear from his cheek. "You already are," you say, your voice full of warmth. "You’re my everything, San. I love that you look so tough on the outside, but you’re really just a teddy bear underneath." You can see the corner of his lips twitch, a small pout forming before he can’t help but laugh softly.

San gives you a playful nudge, his pout turning into a half-smile as he pulls you close again. "You’re lucky I love you, even when you tease me like that."

You chuckle softly, resting your head on his shoulder. The comfort of his presence fills the room, and for a moment, everything feels right again. "I’m just being honest. You’re perfect in your own way, San."

The two of you sit in the quiet, the weight of the day easing away. It’s raw, emotional, and vulnerable, but it’s also filled with love and understanding. You know this phase will pass, just like every other challenge you've faced together. But for now, you’re here, together, holding on to each other as you always do.

And as you hold him, you realize that this is the kind of love that lasts — imperfect, messy, and real.

The next morning, San wakes up with a heavy heart, knowing he needs to make things right with his son. He can’t shake the image of your son’s terrified face from yesterday, and as much as he wants to fix everything, he knows it’s going to take time. He stands in the doorway of his son’s room, his hands trembling slightly as he looks at him, still curled up in bed, avoiding his gaze.

"Hey, buddy," San says gently, stepping into the room, his voice low and warm. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

Your son doesn’t respond, his back still turned to San. He’s been quiet ever since yesterday, his mood heavy with the weight of the confrontation. San takes a slow breath, trying to steady himself. He knows this will be difficult, but he’s determined to make things right.

As San approaches, he opens his arms, a silent gesture of reassurance. But the moment your son looks at him, there’s hesitation in his eyes. Then, to San’s horror, your son flinches and pulls back, his small body recoiling in fear.

San’s heart shatters into a million pieces. The sight of his son, the boy he’s always tried so hard to protect and guide, pulling away from him, is a pain that cuts deeper than any anger. His throat tightens, and the words come out in a choked whisper.

"I... I didn’t mean to scare you, son," he says, his voice trembling. "I’m so sorry. I was just... I was so angry, but I should never have scared you like that. I should’ve been better."

Tears start to well up in his eyes, and before he knows it, they’re spilling over. He steps closer, his arms trembling as he reaches out, gently wrapping them around your son. Your son stiffens at first, still scared, but after a moment, San tightens his embrace, pulling him close.

"I love you, buddy," San whispers, his voice breaking as he holds his son tighter. "I’m so, so sorry. Please... please forgive me. I was wrong. I just... I can’t stand the thought of hurting you."

Your son doesn’t say anything, but San feels the soft warmth of his body in his arms. His own tears flow freely now, a mix of guilt, regret, and the overwhelming love he feels for his son. "You’re everything to me," he says, his voice strained with emotion. "You don’t deserve to be scared of me. I don’t want you to ever feel like that again."

His son’s body slowly relaxes, but he still doesn’t say anything, his small arms slowly coming up to wrap around San’s waist, tentative at first. San feels a wave of relief, but it doesn’t completely wipe away the pain in his chest. He knows this moment is just the first step in healing their bond.

San pulls back slightly, his face streaked with tears. "I’ll do better, son. I promise. We’ll get through this together. I love you more than anything in this world."

Your son finally looks up at him, his eyes red and swollen from crying. "I’m sorry too, Dad," he says quietly, his voice small and unsure. "I didn’t mean to... to make you angry."

San’s heart aches as he wipes the tears from his son’s face. "It’s okay," he says softly, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "I’m the one who should be sorry. But we’ll work through this, okay? You’re not alone."

And in that moment, with his son in his arms, San realizes that the road ahead won’t be easy, but with love, patience, and understanding, they’ll find their way back to each other. Together.

Later that day, after everything has calmed down and your son has gone to his room, San comes to you, his shoulders heavy with guilt. He’s sitting on the edge of your bed, his hands clasped tightly in his lap, and his face is filled with raw emotion. His eyes are red, still swollen from the tears he shed earlier, and when he looks at you, there’s a deep sadness in them.

“I don’t know what I was thinking,” San starts, his voice shaking. "I can’t believe I did that. He was scared of me... My own son. How could I let it get that far?" His words are broken, and his whole demeanor feels like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

You immediately move closer to him, sitting down beside him, your hand finding his. "San," you say softly, your voice full of understanding and reassurance, "it’s okay. I know it wasn’t your intention, and we’ve both been through so much. I understand how you feel, but you need to remember that you’re only human."

San’s face crumbles as he finally lets out a sob. He leans into you, burying his face in your shoulder as his tears flow freely. His body shakes with the weight of the guilt, and he cries harder than he has all day. “I just feel like I’ve failed him,” he admits through his tears, his voice muffled. “I was too harsh. Too... scary. I don’t want him to think I’m a monster.”

You pull him closer, wrapping your arms around him tightly, not caring about the tears that are now soaking your shirt. You gently stroke his hair, soothing him with your touch, as he continues to cry. "San, you’re not scary to me," you whisper softly, your voice a comfort, a steady presence in his whirlwind of emotions. "You’re not a monster. You’re the best father and husband anyone could have asked for. What happened today... it wasn’t your fault. It was a moment of frustration, but I know your heart. You love our son more than anything in this world, and he knows that too."

San shakes his head, his tears soaking into your skin. "I just wanted to protect him," he whispers, voice breaking. "I don’t want him to think he can walk all over you, but... I didn’t mean to hurt him. I’m so sorry."

You tighten your hold on him, your chest tight with emotion as you press a soft kiss to his temple. "It’s okay, San," you murmur, your voice filled with love and tenderness. "You’ll never be scary to me. Never. I know you. You’re just trying to do what’s best, and sometimes... sometimes we get lost in the moment. But we’ll get through this together."

He lifts his head, his eyes filled with tears as he looks into yours. "I don’t deserve you," he says softly, almost in disbelief. "I’m sorry for scaring you, for all of this."

You shake your head, cupping his face gently. "You don’t need to apologize for loving us, for caring for us. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. I’ll always be here for you. We’re in this together, San."

The rawness of the moment, the vulnerability, the tears, and the understanding between you, fills the room with a warmth that soothes the ache in both your hearts. In this quiet moment, as you hold him, it’s clear to you both that this love, no matter how difficult, will always bring you back to each other. The pain will pass, but the strength of your bond will remain unshaken.

San lets out a long breath, his tears slowly subsiding as he rests against you, your arms wrapped around him, offering him the comfort he needs. And in this moment, you both understand that even when things get tough, you will always be there for each other, ready to weather the storm together.

It’s another tense moment in the house. San is clearly upset, his anger flaring over something small, a stressful day at work or perhaps an old frustration resurfacing. He stands in the middle of the living room, his hands clenched at his sides, his jaw tight. In his rage, he swings around too quickly, his hand knocking into a glass vase that shatters across the floor, pieces of glass scattering in all directions.

The sound of the crash echoes through the room, and before either of you can react fully, you hear the soft patter of footsteps running toward you. Your son bursts into the room, his eyes wide with fear. When he sees the mess and the tension between you and San, his heart immediately starts racing. Without thinking, he runs straight to you, clutching your legs with trembling hands, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Mom, what happened?" he cries, his voice a mix of fear and confusion.

Your heart races as you instinctively pull him into your arms, trying to shield him from the chaos unfolding. When your eyes turn toward San, you see his eyes are full of regret, but also a storm of frustration. He's trying to calm down, but it's clear that the anger hasn't left him yet.

For a split second, you misinterpret the scene. The vase shattered, and the air is thick with tension. Your son is terrified, clinging to you, and you're suddenly on edge, your protective instinct kicking in. You look at San, your own fear beginning to take root, as you mistakenly think he did this on purpose. The sharpness of the anger in his eyes adds to the confusion, and in that moment, your voice cracks as you yell, "San, stop! You’re scaring him!"

Your words hang in the air, and the moment you say them, you see San’s face fall. His eyes widen with hurt, and then, like a wave crashing over him, the guilt and the realization hit. He didn’t mean for any of this to happen, and now you’re afraid of him too. His shoulders shake, his fists ball up, and before you can process anything further, he breaks down completely.

"I didn’t mean to—" San’s voice is barely a whisper, but the raw pain in it makes you freeze. He staggers back, the hurt on his face overwhelming. "I didn’t want to scare you both. I didn’t mean to break anything. Please..." His voice cracks as he sinks to his knees, tears streaming down his face, the anger morphing into a heart-wrenching despair. "I don’t know how to fix this anymore. I really don’t."

Your heart breaks at the sight of him, your protective instincts still holding tight to your son, but now you see the shattered man before you. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It never was.

"San..." you say softly, your voice trembling as you reach out, finally allowing yourself to see him for what he truly is — a man struggling with his own emotions. You’re still holding your son tightly, but your gaze never leaves San. "I... I thought you—"

"I didn’t mean to," San chokes out, his breath coming in gasps. He’s shaking now, broken and vulnerable. "I didn’t mean to make him afraid of me. I swear I didn’t do it on purpose. I just... I don’t know how to control it sometimes. I just... I lost it." He curls in on himself, his arms hugging his knees, his head bowed in shame. "I’m sorry, I’m sorry... I can’t fix it."

Your son looks up at you, his fear slowly fading but still lingering. "Is Dad... is he mad at me, Mom?" he asks, his voice small.

You look at your son, then back at San, the room filled with the weight of the situation. You pull your son closer to you, your voice gentle but firm. "No, sweetheart," you say softly, "Your dad is just upset with himself, not with you. He's sorry, okay?"

San looks up, his eyes full of regret as he meets your gaze. "I’m sorry for scaring both of you. I never want to be someone you have to be afraid of."

You walk over to him, crouching down so you’re at eye level, your hand reaching out to him. "You’re not the danger, San," you say with conviction, your voice soft but steady. "You just lost control for a moment. We all do. But this—" You gesture between the three of you, holding your son close while you look at San. "This is not how we handle things. We’ll figure it out together. You don't have to carry this weight alone."

San looks at you, tears still in his eyes, but the sincerity in your words starts to reach him. "I don’t know how to make it right," he whispers.

You cup his face in your hands gently, brushing away the tears from his cheeks, and you speak to him with warmth and tenderness. "We’ll work through it, San. Together. One step at a time. You’re not alone in this."

San slowly nods, his body still shaking with emotion, but there's a faint sense of relief in his eyes now, even though he’s not fully okay yet. You stand, guiding him gently to his feet, pulling him close, and wrapping your arms around him, offering him the comfort he so desperately needs.

Your son, still in your arms, watches the scene unfold, slowly understanding that everything is going to be okay — that even though things got rough, love and understanding are always the answers.

The room is quiet, the tension still lingering, but you hold each other close. You know the road ahead will take time, but with patience, love, and mutual support, things will heal.

It’s late one evening, the house quiet except for the soft hum of the air conditioning. You and San are sitting together on the couch, the dim lighting casting shadows across the room. The air feels different tonight, heavier somehow, like a storm is coming but it’s not the kind you can see in the sky. You’ve noticed how San has been quieter lately, more withdrawn, his usual calm demeanor tinged with something else. Tonight, he’s looking at you differently, like there’s something he’s been holding onto for far too long.

Finally, he exhales deeply, his voice shaky as he starts, "I... I need to tell you something, something I’ve never said to anyone." You immediately turn toward him, sensing the weight in his words.

"I’ve never really fit in anywhere," he begins, his voice softer now. "Ever since I was a kid, people thought I was... scary. They said my smile was terrifying. Can you imagine that? As a child... I just wanted to make friends, but no one understood me." He runs a hand through his hair, looking down at the floor. "They saw my face, my body, and they saw... fear. They didn’t see me, just the surface. And so... I was alone a lot. I never understood why people treated me like that."

You can see the pain in his eyes, a deep sadness that’s been buried for years. His stoic expression, the thing that’s always seemed so strong and dependable to you, now feels like an armor he’s been wearing for a lifetime to protect himself from the world’s judgment.

"You’re the first person who’s ever really understood me," he says, his voice breaking slightly. "But now, with our son, I feel like... I feel like I’m scaring you too. I’m worried I’m going to hurt him, or hurt you, or... maybe I already have. I don’t know what to do anymore." His tears start to fall, one after the other, as he looks at you with raw vulnerability.

Your heart aches as you reach out for him, pulling him into your arms. "San," you whisper softly, your voice trembling as the weight of his words sinks in. "I’m so sorry. I didn’t know... I didn’t know you went through all of that."

He clings to you, his body shaking as he lets out a sob, his shoulders trembling with emotion. "I never wanted to be this way. I never wanted anyone to think I was... a monster. But now I feel like I’m scaring the only two people I care about the most. I don’t know how to fix this."

You stroke his back gently, your own tears falling as you speak, your voice full of love and empathy. "San, you’re not scary. Not to me. You never have been." You pull back slightly so you can look into his eyes. "I love everything about you. Your body, your strength... they’re a part of who you are, and I love them, but what I love even more is your heart. Your giant, warm heart. It’s what makes you... you. The person who is always there for me, for our son, for everyone."

San’s eyes widen as he listens to you, his breath shallow from the weight of your words. "You really mean that?" he whispers, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Yes, San," you say, cupping his face gently, wiping away the tears from his cheeks. "Your smile... it’s always been my favorite thing about you. I know it’s been hard for you, but when you smile, it lights up the whole room. When you’re happy, your eyes go tiny, and your dimples pop, and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Your smile is my everything. It’s a part of you, just like your heart."

You both start crying, the emotions raw and unfiltered. San’s tears continue to fall, but now there’s a sense of relief in them, like he’s finally allowing himself to feel something different. He leans into you, his body shaking as he lets out the pain he’s been carrying for so long. You hold him tight, rocking gently back and forth, letting him know that he’s not alone, that you love him with all of your heart, and that none of his fears are true.

"I’m here, San," you whisper, kissing the top of his head. "I’m here, and I always will be. You don’t have to carry this burden anymore. We’re in this together, okay? You’re perfect just the way you are."

San’s grip on you tightens, his sobs quieting as he leans into you, finding comfort in your embrace. You hold each other, both of you crying and healing in each other’s arms, the weight of the past finally starting to lift, piece by piece.

"I love you so much," he whispers into your chest, his voice muffled but filled with sincerity. "I don’t deserve you."

"You do," you reply, your heart swelling with love for him. "You do, San. You’re my everything."

And in that moment, the storm inside him finally starts to subside, the quiet understanding between you both stronger than any fear or doubt he’s carried with him. As you hold him close, you both know that healing takes time, but together, you can face anything.

As San lies there in your arms, his sobs slowly calming, you gently pull away to look at him. His face is still streaked with tears, his eyes tired but filled with so much emotion. You reach out, cupping his face softly in your hands, your fingers brushing against the smooth skin of his cheeks.

"San," you say softly, your voice tender, "I need to see that smile. The one I love so much."

He hesitates for a moment, his eyes darting away as if unsure, the weight of everything he's felt still heavy in the air. But then, ever so slightly, his lips curl upward into a watery smile, fragile but real. The dimples you adore make their appearance, though his eyes are still clouded with sorrow.

It’s that smile—the one that used to feel so distant, like a part of him he couldn’t give away—and now, it’s just for you.

Your heart breaks in that moment, shattered into a million pieces. You’re flooded with a deep ache, a pain for all the years he spent feeling misunderstood, but also with overwhelming love for this man, for who he truly is. You hold him closer, kissing him gently, tenderly, over and over again. You kiss his forehead, his eyes, his cheeks, the tip of his nose, as if you’re worshipping every inch of him.

"I love you so much, San," you whisper, each word full of sincerity and affection. "I love you more than anything. You’re perfect to me. That smile... it’s everything."

San, still vulnerable and emotional, closes his eyes, as if savoring the way you’re showering him with love and affection, your lips leaving gentle kisses all over his face. When you pull back, he’s looking at you, his gaze soft, but with a slight chuckle as if he’s in disbelief.

"You really love my smile that much?" he asks, his voice still hoarse, but now with a hint of warmth returning to it.

"Yes, San," you reply, brushing away the last of his tears. "I love it. It’s my favorite thing about you. Every time I see it, my heart... it just melts. You look so cute when you smile, even like this. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen."

From that day forward, you make sure to notice his smile—no matter how small, no matter how fleeting—and you never let him doubt how much it means to you. You tell him often how cute he looks when he smiles, how his happiness lights up everything around him. You make sure he knows that he’s perfect just the way he is, that nothing will ever change the way you feel about him.

Whenever you see him smile, even when it’s just a small, quiet smile, you make it a point to appreciate it, to make sure he knows just how much it means to you. You never let him forget that his smile is everything to you.

One afternoon, you and San are sitting together in the living room, relaxing as the day winds down. The sound of the door opening and the familiar footsteps of your son coming in fills the air, and your heart automatically swells with warmth as he walks into the room. His presence always brings a sense of comfort, and today, you can tell there's something different in the way he's carrying himself.

"Hey, Mom, Dad!" your son calls, his voice bright and cheerful. You smile at him as he walks over, taking a seat next to you. His usual playful grin is on his face, but there's an extra sparkle in his eyes today.

"How was school?" you ask, ruffling his hair affectionately.

"Good," he replies with a nod, then pauses for a moment before his face lights up with excitement. "So, guess what happened today?"

San raises an eyebrow, curious, and you lean in, eager to hear. "What happened?"

He grins widely, his dimples popping just like San's, and says, "Everyone was complimenting my smile today! They said I look adorable when I smile. I even thanked them, and then I told them that my dad has the same smile!" He laughs softly, clearly proud of the comparison.

For a moment, time seems to stand still. You glance over at San, who is frozen in place, his expression softening with an emotion so deep, it’s hard to describe. His lips tremble as he takes in the words, his hand instinctively reaching for yours. You squeeze it, feeling the warmth and emotion radiating from him. There’s a shift in the air, a kind of magic, as San’s heart feels like it’s finally being healed in a way he never imagined.

San looks at your son, his voice cracking slightly as he speaks. "You... you told them I have the same smile?" His tone is filled with awe and something else—relief, happiness, but also vulnerability. He blinks back tears as he struggles to process the significance of this moment.

Your son nods enthusiastically, clearly not fully aware of the impact of his words, but simply enjoying the fact that his smile is being appreciated by others. "Yeah! I think it’s pretty cool that we have the same smile. I guess I’ve always had it, but now I really see it."

San's emotions are overwhelming him, and his hand shakes slightly as he covers his face, trying to hold back the tears. His heart is full, a deep ache that’s been buried for so long now starting to surface. You can see the weight of everything he's carried for so many years—the isolation, the misunderstanding—all of it healing in that very moment.

"I can’t believe it," he whispers softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I never thought I’d see the day... when my son would have the same smile, and people would love it... just like I always wanted when I was a kid." He looks up at you, his eyes glistening with tears, but this time, they're tears of pure joy. "Thank God. Thank God he didn’t have to go through what I did."

You lean in, brushing away a tear from his cheek, and kiss his forehead gently. "He’s healing you, San. He’s healing the parts of you that needed it. You don’t even realize how much just having him around, loving him, has been the key to your own healing."

San’s chest rises and falls with shaky breaths as he holds your son tightly, pulling him close in a tender hug. His son, unaware of the depth of his father's past pain, simply rests his head against San's chest, smiling up at him.

"I never thought I’d see this day," San whispers to you, his voice barely audible. "That my son would heal the scars I’ve carried all these years. He didn’t even know... and yet... just by being himself, he’s helped me more than I ever thought possible."

Tears flow freely now, and you hold both of them—your son and your husband—in your arms, the love and healing filling the room. This moment is so raw, so real, and yet so beautiful that you can’t help but feel the depth of its meaning. It’s a testament to how far San has come, how much he’s overcome, and how his son, without even realizing it, has helped him heal the wounds that were once so deep and painful.

"I’m so proud of you, San," you whisper, holding both of them tightly. "You’re an amazing father, and you’ve given our son something so precious—something you never had. And look at him, just being himself... showing you that smile... He’s your legacy, your healing."

San nods, his face wet with tears, but this time, they’re not tears of sadness. They’re tears of release, of relief, of gratitude. "I can’t believe it... he’s my little miracle."

And in that moment, everything feels right. The past pain, the struggles, the fears—they no longer have the power to haunt him. The love of his family, the healing power of a smile, has given him a new hope for the future. And for the first time in his life, San feels like he’s truly understood.