She Took My Son, I Took Everything From Her

From that day on, I thought Thane would be more sensible and would really try to become a better person as he promised me. But, all that he did was clinging to Anna all the time, refusing to do any work assigned by the elders or me, saying it was not up to his standards and when given hard work which could be ‘up to his standards’, he would mess things up.

The next month, he turned fifteen. I called off all my meetings as I wanted to make this day special for my son. He had gone for his training and I utilised this time in making preparations for his birthday celebration. We were having arguments over his training session for the past few days. I thought we could reduce our distance on this happy occasion and was doing everything with all of my heart. I baked Thane’s favourite cake at home. I packed the key of a brand new Ferrari in a small box. It was Thane's birthday gift. I knew how crazy he had been for having his own car. After preparing everything, all that I was doing was waiting for my son's return in a dim light. I waited for a long time, but he didn't come. Usually he arrived at 6:00 PM after his evening training but it had been 8:00 PM now and he hadn't returned yet.

Being worried, I dialed his number. He didn't pick it up. It enhanced my worriedness. I was going to dial his number again when my phone buzzed with notifications.

It was from Thane's social media account. He had been uploading pictures on his social media account. In one of the photos I saw Thane sitting in a restaurant along with Theon and Anna. There was also a caption which read [My Favourite Restaurant! Thanks Mamma Anna for the surprise. I love it!]

In another photo, he was cutting the cake while Theon and Anna were standing on either of his sides, looking like a perfect family.

In another photo, Thane was rubbing the cream of the cake on Anna's cheeks. The picture also had a caption which read [My Favourite Person!]

I stared this post for a long while before I laughed ironically looking at the cake I had prepared by burning my hands. I then switched off my phone, not intending to watch his other posts and threw it aside. I recalled the day when Thane said he didn't want to go abroad because he would miss his Mamma and Dad. Now that I thought about it, I realized the word ‘Mamma’ was actually not directed at me. It was for Anna.

The realization hit me harder and I laughed and cried at the same time. But, at the same time it helped me feel content with my decision that I had made years ago, knowing Thane was not biologically related to me.

I had been staring at the preparation I had made when the main door pushed open and Thane walked in, yelling excitedly, “Mom, whose Ferrari is parked outside? It's brand new and the colour is exactly what I want!”

Theon chased after him, looking surprised. He looked up at me and then the decorations. A sense of guilt and regret appeared in his eyes as he asked, “Did you do all this to celebrate Thane’s birthday?”

Only now did Thane looked around himself and the cake I had prepared for him. He then looked up at me, asking in a spoiled voice, “Mom, why didn't you come celebrate my birthday in the restaurant? Dad said you were busy with your meetings but it looks like you weren't.”

I shot a glance at Theon. He chuckled and immediately intervened to cover it up while saying, “I thought you would be busy with your meetings. That's why I didn't ask you. Anna and I-”

“It's okay,” I cut him off, “I was really busy, Thane. But, I can't ignore my son's birthday, can I?” I said in a soft voice. He smiled and hugged me instantly.

Theon took a sigh of relief. He didn't think much of it and began laughing, thinking that I was just an ignorant fool and hadn't seen through his conspiracy.

After breaking our hug, Thane’s eyes began scanning through the items lying on the table where the cake was placed. He didn't bother looking at the cake I had prepared and instantly picked the small gift box. He then tore it open and took the key out, yelling excitedly, “I knew it! I knew it…”

“It's for me, right Mom? You bought the car for me.” He yelled excitedly. I nodded my head before saying in a soft voice, “It's your birthday gift.”

“Yes!” He jumped in excitement and ran outside after throwing the small box that hit the cake I had prepared. I smiled ironically, staring at the cake while Thane and Theon ran out for a ride in the car. The last word I heard from my son was “Let's call Mamma Anna for a ride. She will love it.”