Im Oksana, and this is your sixyearold grandson.
In a quiet southern French town, where plane trees line the narrow streets and life moves at a leisurely pace, my fate took an unexpected turn. My name is Hélène Dumont, and I was returning from work when I heard someone call my name. I turned around and froze: a young woman stood before me with a boy about six years old. She approached and uttered words that chilled me: Hélène Dumont, Im Camille, and this is your grandson, Mathis. He is six.
I was stunned. Their faces were strangers, and their announcement struck me like a bolt of lightning. 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 suddenly, brought to me by a complete stranger. Shock gave way to bewilderment: how could I have been unaware of this grandson for six years?
It is probably my fault. I raised Théo alone, working tirelessly to give him a future. I am proud of his achievements, yet his love life has always worried me. He flits from one conquest to another without ever settling down. I didnt interfere, but deep down I remembered being twenty, when I gave birth to him on my own, sacrificing my youth and comfort. Only a few years ago did Théo treat me to a trip on the Côte dAzurmy first time standing by the sea. I have no regrets, but the thought of being a grandmother has always lingered.
Then Camille and Mathis appeared 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 had a right to know. I ask for nothing; Im raising him alone. Here is my number. Call me if you want to meet him.
She left, leaving me distraught. I immediately called Théo. He was as shocked as I was. He vaguely recalled a brief relationship with a Camille years earlier. She had told him she was pregnant, but he refused to accept paternity and she vanished, never to be mentioned again. Her words pierced me: my beloved son had dismissed this responsibility as insignificant.
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. He told me they had broken up in September. Doubt crept in: could Camille be lying? Yet Mathiss shy, large eyes kept replaying in my mind.
I eventually 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 worked to support Mathis, and that he would start primary school at the coming term. Her voice was steady, infused with resolve.
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 since then I cant stop wondering whether to knock on her door or let the past stay where it belongs.
I’m Oksana, and This is Your 6-Year-Old Grandson!
