To my dearest Noah & Catherine
The Reunion :: John Williams

The soft winter light filtered through the window, as feather like snow descended from the heavens, blanketing the vast ground below. The scene before an exhausted man was of peace and calm, picturesque as if he's in an endless, wonderful, and blissful dream. Mordred was lost in his thoughts, his sentiments anchored safely in the deepest recesses of his soul. He was thankful for the moment of silence, a pause from the whirlpool of emotions that assaulted him day and night when they welcomed two human beings who changed their world forever.

Mordred pulled back from his thoughts, and quietly turned to see their twins in their cot fast asleep. A gentle smile graced his tired face, banishing all traces of sleepless nights and fatigue. The father of two studied them both carefully, his eyes gleaming with happiness and pride. Soon enough, tears ran down his cheeks, silver teardrops landing on the children's blankets wrapped around them protectively like a cocoon. He never understood his parents' love for him, until that moment of heavenly bliss. In that moment, it was just him, Noah and Catherine while the world was fast asleep. Time stood still for Mordred, encasing every breath, every second. "You are loved, Noah and Catherine. Never forget that." With a gentle and loving brush of his calloused finger against their cheeks, he then kissed his babies goodnight.

Mordred stood straighter, wiping away the evidence of tears on his face. The young man then took an immaculately folded parchment from his pocket, and left it unopened atop a side table. On the outside was a neat handwriting of Noah & Catherine's names, meant for them to read when they are of age. For now, it shall stay sealed...and kept secret, until the time comes for them to try and test their wings. Mordred weakly grinned at the thought, took another loving glance at his sleeping children, and turned off the lamp.

Tomorrow is going to be a new day.

12 January 2089
Sheepscombe, Gloucestershire
England

To my dearest Noah Alexander and Catherine Rae,

As the world witnessed the ending and beginning of the year, a very fitting miracle of happiness and love happened to all of us. I remember the last hours of the year prior to be dark, the air, frazzled with much apprehension and fear. Everything was dead silent with the exception of your loving mother’s brave whimper as she struggled to keep you safe. She held on, until the time was right for you to breathe the same air as we do. I strained to keep my emotions as calm as possible, to be brave as I watched your mother battle with the inevitable pain. Just like her, I was hopeful. I braved the uncertain. That second I heard your cries, the moment they placed you both in my arms, I have never been more fascinated with life as I basked in the love that only my children could bring. Right then and there, I vowed to protect you with my whole being, for the rest of my life. For the first time in years, I allowed myself to be vulnerable. Without second thoughts, I let myself fall in love with the both of you.

Today, the world isn’t as beautiful as it had been when I was a child. The grass is no longer lush, nor is there any more greenery for you to enjoy. The skies have been darker these past few years, and it would have been wonderful if you could see how blue the sky was when I was just a mere school boy. Times, indeed, have changed. I am afraid I have to keep up with the shift, so I could keep up with you. Ahead are more complicated days for the both of you and your generation, but I assure you, your mother and I will be there, whether or not, we understand the how’s and why’s of your time.

It is true that once you become a parent, everything else won’t matter except for his or her children. I do not expect you both to understand this now, but you will in time. I have my apprehensions and uncertainties about the world you will be living in, but for now, I shall be content as I watch you sleep peacefully, and wonder about your dreams as I see a tiny smile grace your lips. Allow me to bask in your peace, as I assure myself of my worth as your father.

As I think about your future, I can only hope that I will get this kind of moment with the both of you again, to remind you of my vow. There will be times when I won’t agree with you, there will be moments wherein you will hate me, but do realize that I am, and will keep on struggling to be the loving father that you deserve. I do hope that when that uncertainty comes, you will realize the care and love I have for you.

You are one of the reasons why I exist, my dearest Noah and Catherine. I love you, more than life itself.

I am, and will be forever yours,

Dad