An Unusual Proposition

Michael was in the kitchen cleaning the dishes on a particular evening; he had the doorbell ringing, and the children were with Emilia with their schoolwork. He quickly dried his hands on a towel and opened the door to find Dr Nathan standing.

"Dr. Nathan," Michael greeted, stepping aside. "I wasn't aware of your visitation." Dr Nathan nodded to confirm what Michael said.

"Oh, you came to give me a surprise visit, right?" Michael said jokingly.

"I have been feeling disturbed in my mind for a long time; today, I thought there was a need for me to drop by," Nathan said, stepping into the house. "You've been through a lot lately from your job down to your wife, and I wanted to check on you and the kids."

"Thank you, Nathan," Michael said as he gestured toward the living room. "Come in, what should I offer you?"

Nathan smiled, "I will appreciate anything you give me, but I will not want to stress you. Water is okay, he said.

Michael handed him a glass of water and sat opposite him. "What brings you here today?"

Nathan took a sip, setting the glass down on the table. "Michael, I've been thinking about your situation. Raising two kids on your own, with all the stress you are passing through—it's not easy. And while Emilia seems...helpful, it's clear this is more than she signed up for."

"You are welcome, sir." Emilia and the kids came to the room to see who their visitor was. "Thank you, Emilia; you are doing great with the kids," Nathan said softly.

The kids were not talking, they were not familiar with Nathan. Emilia gestures towards the room to them, and they return to continue their school work. Back to the discussion," Nathan said. "I feel you are stressing your maid more than she bargained.

Michael frowned. "Emilia has been an amazing woman. I don't know what I'd do without her."

Nathan leaned forward from his seat, his tone softer now but insistent. "I am not denying the fact that she is trying, but considering the kids. The kids need a true home where the intentions of their parents can be shown to them. Clara and Clement need stability, a proper home environment with someone who can give them undivided attention."

Michael crossed his arms. "Are you saying they don't have that here?"

"No, don't get me wrong Michael," he's choosing his words carefully. "I am just saying they can have more; I have always had a soft spot for your children."

"Soft spot," Michael, said in surprise.

Nathan continued, "Your children are bright, talented, and full of potential. I have the resources to provide them with everything they need—education, healthcare, and structured environment. Maybe it's time to consider letting them stay with me for a while."

The room grew silent except for the faint clatter of dishes in the kitchen.

"I appreciate your concern, Nathan," he said, keeping his voice measured. "But the kids are my responsibility. They belong here, with me."

Nathan's smile faltered, replaced by a look of feigned understanding. "I understand where you're coming from, but think about their future. With me, they have access to numerous opportunities"

"They have opportunities here," Michael interrupted, his voice firmer now. "I may not have everything figured out yet, but they have a home. They have love. And Emilia has been nothing but a positive influence on them."

Nathan leaned back in his seat, his expression hardening slightly. "Michael, this isn't about doing the parenting by yourself alone. Now that you don't even have a job, there is no doubt you don't have enough resources to do so. And I am not also doubting your parenting. It's about me taking care of the responsibility for you. You need a helping hand, and I am ready to help you."

Michael shook his head. "You sound like you want to take my children away from me, using aid as a disguise."

"That's not what I'm saying at all," Nathan replied quickly, his tone becoming more frustrated. "I'm offering help, just help. I am not trying to snatch your kids from you. Think about it—wouldn't it be easier for everyone if they stayed with me, at least temporarily?"

"No," Michael said firmly. "They've been through enough upheaval. What they need now is consistency, not more change."

Nathan's eyes flickered with something Michael couldn't quite place—annoyance? Disappointment? It was gone in an instant, replaced by a composed mask.

"Of course," Nathan said, standing up and smoothing his shirt. "It was just a suggestion. I thought you might want to explore all your options."

Michael stood as well, walking him to the door. "I appreciate the thought, but my decision is final. Clara and Clement stay here."

Nathan nodded, his smile returning but not quite reaching his eyes. "You're a good father, Michael. I hope you know that."

"Thank you," Michael replied coldly.

As Nathan left, Emilia appeared in the doorway, a questioning look on her face.

"What was that about?" she asked gesturing at Nathan's departure.

Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. " Don't mind, Nathan; he thinks I should let the children come and stay with him. He sounded like he wanted to help, but..."

"But you don't trust him," Emilia finished, her voice quiet.

Michael met her gaze. "No, I don't. Something about his sudden care for the children doesn't sit right with me."

Emilia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I'll be on the guard too. If there's anything you need me to do about this matter—"

"You are already doing more than what I asked for. It's more than enough," Michael said, his voice softening. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Emilia."

Emilia smiled, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. " Michael, together We'll get through this. "

---

As the night fell, Michael sat quietly alone. He was replaying the conversation he had with Nathan in his mind. There was a deeper intention than what Nathan presented to him.

Michael determined not to let anyone take advantage of his situation to take his kids from him. He stood up and walked towards the picture of Clara and Clement that was hung on the wall.