I’m Oksana, and This is Your 6-Year-Old Grandson.

I am Oksana, and this is your grandson, six years old.
In a tiny town in southern France, where the streets 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 walking home from work when a voice called 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 astonished. Their faces were strangers, and their statement struck me like thunder. I have a son, Théo, a brilliant and 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, delivered by a stranger. Shock gave way to confusion: 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 chased one fling after another without ever settling down. I didnt intervene, but deep down I recalled my own twenties, when I gave birth to him. Alone, without support, I sacrificed my youth and gave up any comfort. Only a few years ago did Théo take me on a trip to the Côte dAzurmy first time seeing the sea. I regret nothing, but the idea of being a grandmother has always lingered.
Then Camille and Mathis stood before me. In a trembling yet firm voice she added, I hesitated long before telling you, but Mathis is part of your family. You had the right to know. Im raising him alone. Heres my numberif you want to meet him, call me.
She left, leaving me shaken. I immediately called Théo. He was as stunned 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 then vanished from his mind. Her words pierced me. My beloved son had dismissed that responsibility as trivial.
Théo claimed he knew nothing about the child and doubted Mathis could be his. Why would she wait six years? Its suspicious! he said. I tried to make sense of it. They had broken up in September, he told me. Doubt crept in: could Camille be lying? Yet Mathiss shy, big eyes stayed with me.
I finally called Camille back. She told me Mathis was born in April. When I suggested 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 provide for Mathis, who would start first grade at the upcoming school year. Her tone was steady, yet resolute.
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 I cant stop wondering whether I should knock on her door or let the past remain where it belongs.