IMDD CHAPTER 290

“Yes gramps, I’m alive and kicking.” Gage told him, and the moment he embraced him, George's face was awash with intense emotions.

And then… the elder cried, holding onto Gage with a tight grip.

“Forgive me for everything.” Gage murmured. He knew how his disappearance had taken a toll on him. He knew George had been devastated. He could feel it right now.

"You little… punk," George uttered through tears, the affectionate insult mingling with the warmth of his tears.

Gage held him tight, providing comfort to the man who had been a monumental influence in his life. From the day George took him in, treating him as his own, he had imparted invaluable lessons to Gage. It was George who taught him the essence of humanity, shaping him into the man he had become. Without George's guidance, Gage doubted he would have understood what it truly means to be human.

As George regained his composure, he wiped away his tears and adopted his familiar, strict yet kind demeanor. "Your audacity to just up and disappear and then reappear like this, you little… did Eva already know?" he inquired with a mix of sternness and concern.

"Yes," Gage replied with a smile, warmth in his voice. "I've also already met my daughter, little Gaia."

"I hope Eva didn’t just take you in so easily!" he grumbled. "That child has been through a lot since the day you're gone. You can't just disappear and then barge right into her door like nothing happened."

Gage rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually, Eva had already accepted me—"

"Oh, that little…" George sighed. "She should've made you grovel! Stop smiling, rascal. You deserve to grovel hard!"

Gage nodded. "You’re right, gramps…" he replied, his smile fading as George shifted.

That subtle shift was all the indication Gage needed to understand that the elder needed to rest.  That was how fragile George had become, unable to even sit for prolonged periods.

As Gage silently helped the elder lie comfortably on the bed, the room fell into a respectful silence, until George's voice broke through. "What happened? Are you alright?"

Gage reassured him with a nod, "I'm fine, gramps. It's a long story, but please don't worry about me."

George's response was a nod of relief. The prospect of Gage's disappearance was a wound that had never fully healed, a shadow over the family that George could not bear to face again. "You're not going to disappear ever again, are you? Eva and Gigi… need you. I don't think Eva will handle it if you disappear on her again."

"I will never let such a thing happen again. I promise you that." His words were a pledge to George, to Eva, to Gigi, and to himself—a vow to remain present, to heal the scars left by his absence and to never again be the cause of their pain.

George took a long, deep breath. As if he was finally able to breathe after such a long time. "I feel like I can finally leave this world in peace—"

“Please…” Gage cut him off, still looking down. “You still have a long way to go, gramps.”

George gripped Gage's hand. "I've lived long enough, Gage. All I wanted is this... seeing you back with Eva, Gaia, and Hunter. Now I don't have any more regrets or worries. I've lived my life the way I wanted. It's never perfect, but I can say that right now... I'm more than ready to go and finally rest." His words carried the weight of a life fully lived, a declaration of peace with his impending journey's end.

With a gentle touch, George reached out, affectionately rubbing Gage's head, a gesture laden with love and pride. "You have been one of the greatest things that happened to me. I am happy that I was able to see my grandchild Gaia. You gave me, us, such a little bundle of joy. I wouldn't be there to watch her grow up, but it's alright. You're here now… And Hunter, that child... I know he's already an old ass man, but... look out for him like you've always been doing since you both were younger. Did you hear me, Gage?"

Gage silently nodded.

"Good…" George murmured, a sense of closure in his voice.

Gage then suddenly stood. "Little Gaia's with me. I'll go get her," he told him and without waiting for George’s response, Gage left the room.

___

CHAPTER 291>>