Unexpected Reunion

"Maman ... why are you silent?" asked Summer in her little voice. She was astonished because her mother stood silent, and suddenly Uncle Nic hugged her. "Uncle Nic? Uncle, what's wrong?"

Marie gasped when she heard Summer's voice and reflexively pushed Nicolae's body to hug her daughter tightly. Her body trembled. "Sir... You have not answered my question."

Nicolae immediately stepped back and looked at Marie longingly. His face was filled with expressions of sadness and joy combined into one.

"My real name is Nicolae Medici ..." Finally, Nicolae answered Marie's question. His voice was hoarse, and his chest felt tight. "I used the name Nicolae Sorin before. Sorin was actually my middle name ..."

"Oh ..." Marie gasped in surprise. Her hands fell to her sides. Her eyes were slowly in tears, and her body was visibly shaken. She immediately leaned to the wall so that she would not stumble.