Im Oksana, and this is your sixyearold grandson.
In a quiet town in the south of 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. I was returning from work when a voice called my name. I turned around and froze: a young woman stood before me, holding a boy who looked about six. She stepped closer and said the words that chilled me to the bone: Hélène Dumont, Im Camille, and this is your grandson, Mathis. Hes six years old.
I was stunned. Their faces were strangers, and their statement struck me like thunder. I have a son, Théo, a brilliant, ambitious man 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, delivered by a complete unknown. Shock gave way to confusion: how could I have been unaware of this grandson for six years?
The blame, I suppose, lies with me. I raised Théo on my own, working nonstop to give him a future. Im proud of his achievements, yet his love life has always worried me. He moved from one fling to another without ever settling down. I didnt intervene, but deep down I recalled being twenty, giving birth to him alone, without any support, sacrificing my youth and any comforts. Only a few years ago did Théo treat me to a trip on the Côte dAzurmy first time looking out at the sea. I have no regrets, but the idea of being a grandmother has lingered in my mind.
Then Camille and Mathis stood before me. In a trembling yet steady voice she added, I hesitated a long time before telling you, but Mathis is part of your family. You had a right to know. Im raising him on my own. Heres my number; if youd like to meet him, call me.
She left, leaving me shaken. I called Théo at once. He was as bewildered as I was. He could barely recall a brief relationship with a Camille years ago. She had told him she was pregnant, but he refused to accept paternity and she vanished, never to be thought of again. Her words pierced me: my beloved son had dismissed this responsibility as nothing.
Théo insisted he knew nothing about the child and doubted Mathis could be his. Why would she wait six years? Thats suspicious! I tried to make sense of it. He told me they had broken up in September. Doubt crept in: what if Camille was lying? Yet Mathiss shy, wide eyes haunted me.
Eventually I 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 first grade at the upcoming school year. Her tone was composed, yet firm.
Hélène Dumont, if you want to see Mathis, I wont object, she said. If not, Ill understand. I know from Théo how hard this has been for you. She hung up, and ever since Ive been torn between knocking on her door and leaving the past where it belongs.
I’m Oksana, and this is your 6-Year-Old Grandson!
