The restaurant became silent.
No glasses clinked.
No music mattered.
Nothing.
The young man’s eyes stayed locked on the photograph.
“No…” he whispered. “My father died twenty years ago.”
The old man slowly shook his head.
“No. That’s what your mother told you.”
The young man’s heart pounded.
“What are you talking about?”
Tears filled the old man’s eyes.
“I didn’t leave you.”
The words hit like thunder.
“I lost everything. I lost my business. I lost our home. I became someone nobody wanted around. And one day…” his voice cracked, “…your mother took you away.”
The young man couldn’t breathe.
“I searched for you.”
Silence.
“I searched for years.”
Tears rolled down the old man’s face.
“I came here tonight because I heard the owner of this restaurant had your name.”
The young man looked around.
The people who had laughed before were now staring in shock.
The hostess covered her mouth.
The young man stood up slowly.
The old man looked away.
“I understand if you hate me.”
But suddenly—
Two arms wrapped around him.
The young man held him tightly.
After twenty years…
A father finally came home.
