I am Oksana, and this is your little grandson, six years old.
In a tiny town in southern France, where the lanes are lined with plane trees and life moves at a leisurely pace, my fate took an unexpected turn. My name is Hélène Dumont, and I was heading home from work when a voice called my name. I turned around and froze: standing before me was a young woman holding a boy who looked about six. She stepped closer and said the words that sent a chill through me: Hélène Dumont, Im Camille, and this is your grandson, Mathis. He is six.
I was stunned. Their faces were strangers, and their statement struck me like thunder. I have a son, Théo, a brilliant and ambitious man who is climbing the career ladder. He isnt married, and although I have always dreamed of becoming a grandmother, I never imagined it would happen so abruptly, through an unknown woman. Shock gave way to confusion: how could I have been unaware of this grandson for six whole years?
It is probably my own fault. I raised Théo alone, working tirelessly to give him a future. Im proud of his achievements, yet his love life has always worried me. He jumped from one fling to another without ever settling down. I didnt interfere, but deep down I remembered being twenty, giving birth to him on my own, without support, sacrificing my youth and comfort. Only a few years ago did Théo take me to the Côte dAzurmy first time looking at the sea. I regret nothing, but the thought of being a grandmother has always lingered.
Then Camille and Mathis stood before me. With a trembling yet firm voice she added, I hesitated a long time before telling you, but Mathis is part of your family. You deserved to know. I ask for nothing; Im raising him alone. Here is my number. Call if you want to meet him.
She left, leaving me shaken. I immediately called Théo. He was as bewildered as I was. He barely remembered a brief relationship with a Camille years ago. She had told him she was pregnant, but he refused to take responsibility, and she vanished. He never thought of it again. Her words pierced me: my beloved son had dismissed that duty as something trivial.
Théo claimed he knew nothing about the child and doubted Mathis could be his. Why would she wait six years? Its suspicious! I tried to make sense of it. They had broken up in September, he told me. Doubt crept in: what if Camille was lying? Yet Mathiss shy, wide eyes stayed with me.
I finally called Camille back. She told me Mathis was born in April. When I mentioned a DNA test, she replied calmly, I know who his father is. No test is needed. She assured me her parents were helping, that she was working to support Mathis, who would start primary school at the upcoming enrollment. Her tone was steady, yet determined.
Hélène Dumont, if you want to see Mathis, I wont object, she said. Otherwise Ill understand. I know from Théo how hard this has been for you. She hung up, and since then I cant stop wondering whether I should knock on her door or leave the past where it belongs.
