What's My Destiny?

Richard’s phone rang.

Tring tring...

He was busy with his work — he had recently joined an NGO and held a significant post with greater responsibilities. He continued his usual vlogging, helping the needy, and encouraging people to donate and contribute to his cause.

He picked up the call.

Uncle: “Uh… hello, dear?”

Richard: “Who’s this? Your voice sounds familiar.”

Uncle: “It’s me, your uncle.”

Richard froze, completely stunned.

Uncle: “Dear? Are you there?”

Richard: “Uncle...? Hello! How are you? How did you remember me after all these years?”

Uncle: “I’m doing fine, dear. What about you?”

Richard: “I’m doing well too.”

Uncle: “We’ve been missing you a lot. Can you come visit us?”

Richard: “Yes, of course. I’ll come soon.”

---

A few days later…

Ding dong.

Richard stood at the doorstep, smiling with a mix of nostalgia and emotion. Despite having endured a difficult childhood with them, he still felt a deep, unbreakable bond. Tears welled up in his eyes. His uncle, too, became emotional.

Richard: “Uncle… I’m truly sorry for leaving you and aunt like that. I should’ve kept in touch.”

Uncle: “It’s okay, dear. Please, come in and sit.”

Richard: “Where is aunt?”

Uncle: “She’s resting in bed.”

Richard: “Okay… I won’t disturb her, but can I see her?”

Uncle: “Of course, my son.”

When Richard saw her, he was devastated. She had become so frail and malnourished that he could barely recognize her. Her once radiant face — the happiest he remembered — now looked pale and lifeless, like the moon covered in clouds.

Richard (panicking): “Uncle… what happened to her?!”

Uncle (sighing): “She’s very sick, son. We’re growing old, and there's no one to look after us anymore. Our biological son moved abroad. He visits sometimes but can’t stay long due to his demanding job.”

Richard was overwhelmed with guilt. He had left them behind to chase his own dreams — but now, nothing seemed more important than being with them. He decided then and there to move in and care for them.

Uncle: “Richard… I want to ask you something.”

Richard: “Yes, Dad?”

The word Dad caught his uncle off-guard. His eyes filled with tears. It was the first time he had ever heard Richard call him that. He immediately embraced him, feeling a wave of regret and love for the child he had once wronged.

Uncle: “Son… I want you to get married soon.”

Richard: “Dad?! What are you saying?”

Uncle: “It’s your aunt’s wish. She wants to see you settled.”

Richard: “But…”

Uncle: “Once you’re married, we might finally feel like a complete family. Maybe we’ll even get to see our grandchild someday.”

Richard: “Okay, Dad… but I don’t have anyone in my life.”

Uncle: “I have a friend whose daughter is ready to meet you.”

Richard: “Alright… I’m open to meeting her.”

Uncle: “That’s wonderful! I’ll inform them and fix the date.”

---

Though his heart still belonged to one girl — Silvana Peter — he agreed to the proposal without even asking for a picture. He was too emotionally drained to care.

He moved in with his adoptive parents and started looking after his mother. He gave her medicines on time, made sure she ate well, and slowly… she began to recover.

---

Uncle (excited): “Richard!”

Richard: “Yes, Dad?”

Uncle: “We’re going to visit the girl’s family today. Go get ready quickly!”

Richard: “Okay, Dad. Give me two minutes!”

They drove to the house.

Ding dong.

Uncle: “Hello, my friend!” (they hugged)

Friend: “Denis! How have you been?”

Uncle: “I’m good. Meet my son, Richard.”

Richard: “Hello, Uncle.”

Friend: “Hello, dear.”