11 Guilt and Forgiveness

With a deep breath, mustering his thoughts and strength, Liam entered the estate that had once been his family's haven. Memories, both joyous and painful, surged within him as he walked through the familiar surroundings.

Liam's family had enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, not excessively wealthy but certainly well-provided for. He was given everything he needed and wanted, his parents ensuring his upbringing was filled with care and love.

However, his teenage years had been marked by a different side of him. An introverted and self-doubting young man, Liam struggled with his own insecurities. He often found solace in isolating himself, burying his frustrations and disappointments deep within. At times, he would lash out at his parents, releasing his pent-up emotions by blaming them for his perceived weaknesses.

His parents, concerned for his well-being, had attempted to reach out, wanting to discuss his troubles and find a way to help. They suggested visiting the university to address the issues he faced, but Liam adamantly refused. He feared the ridicule from his classmates, imagining them mocking him for bringing his parents to intervene in his adult life.

In his stubbornness, he had pushed his parents away, isolating himself further from the support and understanding they were willing to offer. Looking back, Liam realized how much pain he had caused them, how he had distanced himself from the very people who loved him unconditionally.

With a deep breath, Liam entered his childhood home, a mixture of emotions welling up within him. The familiar scent of a home-cooked meal greeted him in the hallway, and then a sweet voice echoed through the air.

"Liam~ is that you? Come, dinner is ready!"

Tears began to form in his eyes as he hurried towards the source of the voice, a feeling of longing and warmth washing over him. He entered the kitchen to find a beautiful woman, his mother, gracefully handling the dishes.

Without a second thought, Liam embraced her tightly, tears streaming down his face. His mother looked at him with surprise and concern, her eyes widening as she saw him cry.

"Liam? What happened?" Her voice was laced with worry as she reached out to him, her hands gently resting on his shoulders.

"Mom," he choked out, his voice thick with emotion.

"I'm here, sweetheart. What happened? Did something happen at the university? I should go there right now and sort it out!" Her maternal instincts kicked in, ready to defend her child from any perceived harm.

Liam's tears began to subside as he felt the comfort of his mother's presence. "It's nothing, Mom. I was just... missing you."

"Really?" Her concern lingered, her eyes searching his for any signs of distress.

"Yes, I swear," he assured her, a small smile breaking through his tears.

"Alright, I'll believe you for now. But remember, Liam, you can always share anything with us, okay? Even if you feel embarrassed or unsure, you can talk to us, or your father."

"Mm," he nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance in his mother's words.

A new voice joined the scene, breaking the emotional moment. "What's going on here? Hm? Why is our son clinging to you like a koala?" Liam's father, appearing at the bottom of the staircase, observed the mother-son interaction with amusement.

Liam released his mother from the embrace, his gaze shifting to his father. He saw a mix of curiosity and affection in his father's eyes.

"It's nothing, Dad," Liam replied, a small smile gracing his lips. "Just missed you both." Saying that, he surprised his father by hugging him, a gesture that hadn't happened in years.

Liam's father was momentarily taken aback, not used to such displays of affection from his son. But then he laughed heartily, wrapping his arms around Liam. "Hahaha, has the sun risen from the west? To think you're being so touchy now!"

From the side, Liam's mother looked at them with a joyful smile. It truly had been a long time since Liam had approached them in such a way.

After the laughter settled, they sat down to enjoy a heartwarming dinner together. As they savored the meal, Liam's father brought up a topic, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Hmm, quite the hairstyle you've got there, boy."

Hearing him, Liam couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, I also thought about how much more manly I look now."

His mother chimed in happily, her eyes lighting up. "Right? I've been saying the same thing. You look so handsome, dear."

Then Liam's expression turned somewhat serious as he took a deep breath. "Mom, Dad, I want to say something."

"Hm?"

"I really want to apologize for all the pain I've caused you. I'm truly sorry. I know I'm shamelessly asking for forgiveness, but I can't help but feel remorse for all the hurt and worry I've put you through. I'm sorry."

His words hung in the air, a mixture of emotions welling up within him. He couldn't bring himself to meet their eyes, feeling the weight of his past mistakes bearing down on him.

Then, suddenly, he felt four arms envelop him in a warm embrace. Looking up, he saw both his mother and father hugging him tightly.

"Son, it's okay. You've never truly hurt us," his father reassured him, his voice full of understanding and love.

His mother echoed the sentiment, her eyes brimming with affection. "We're your parents, Liam. It's our duty to worry about you, to care for you no matter what."

"Don't carry this burden of guilt, Liam. We forgive you. We're so grateful and proud to have you as our son," his father added, his voice firm and comforting.

Overwhelmed by their words, Liam's tears fell freely as he embraced them back, letting go of the regrets and shame that had plagued him for so long. In that moment, their shared embrace held a sense of healing and renewal, a reaffirmation of the unbreakable bond between parent and child.

As the evening came to a close, they each retired to their rooms, hearts full of love and contentment, knowing that their family had taken a significant step towards reconciliation and happiness.