Chapter 28: Invitation
Knox sighed in relief after seeing Franz. His constant support, aside from Athan, was his best friend he abandoned without any word four years ago. He earned a slap on the back after appearing before him when he came back, but Knox deserved it.
He was grateful that nothing changed. From then on, he told Franz about everything that happened to him, and why he suddenly disappeared.
Knox remembered Franz crying while yelling at him, 'You! You should have told me at the beginning!'
A weak and regretful smile formed across Knox's face, 'I'm sorry...I was distraught and scared. I changed all my contacts...but I didn't reach you, back then...I couldn't tell you. I should have—
'Oh, you!' Franz rushed and hugged him tightly. That warm and reassuring embrace he had never felt from someone in those four years he was striving alone, was like a lever that opened the dam of tears in his eyes. He cried.
After that, he brought Knoa to Franz and ever since then, Franz has been helping him take care of Knoa despite his hectic job of managing the café and the restaurant.
Knox was brought into the present after Knoa wiggled his arms and acted cute in front of his best friend. He poutingly spoke, "Uncle, legs hurt so much! That uncle chased me all~ day!"
Shawn jokingly gaped at Knoa and complained, "What?! Why are you complaining now? You clearly enjoyed it!"
Knoa, "Hmph!"
Knox chuckled at their banter. He rubbed Knoa's head and spoke, "Baby, Uncle Shawn played with you and helped me take care of you, so it's not right to ignore him, okay? You should tell him something instead."
Knoa stared at his father for a few seconds before looking at Shawn who wore an expectant look. Knoa fiddled with his fingers and looked down, "Taking care of me, helping Papa, thank you, Uncle Chon."