I drove aimlessly in circles for two hours, every fiber of my being wanted to drive past her flat and say hello. But I couldn’t. She had made her bed and I had to accept it. Plus, I couldn’t forgive her for the way she had behaved at my house and at work.

Glancing at the clock I realized it was time to pick up Shaun; that at least would give me a distraction. “Hi Dad!” Shaun bounced into the car. “Do you know what we made today?” He was fired up and ready to talk. In fact, he never stopped talking the entire way home; despite the fact I refused to play our usual game. Shaun paused just twice, both times I caught him looking at me funny but it wasn’t until we were in the house that he asked me directly. “What’s wrong dad?” His voice was quiet and determined. He suddenly seemed like 27, not 7 years old.

I sighed softly, “Women problems young man, that’s why I try to stay clear of them nowadays.” Shaun nodded slowly, “Has Kate upset you?” He asked cautiously. “I hope you can fix it because I really like her, she was fun, nice and beautiful.

I couldn’t help but laugh at that, “If only it were that simple.” I said to my son. Shaun smiled back at me as he said, “It should be dad. You meet someone, fall in love and then stay together forever.” I managed to grin, or at least put my lips in a straight line. “I wish it was that easy,” I said, gently ruffling his hair. He was very perceptive when he wanted to be.

For a moment he was silent, and then Shaun looked at me. “Dad?” He asked. “How do you know if they are the one?” I paused, this was a grown up question but I had always treated Shaun as a grown up.

“Well, son.” I started, trying to formulate my thoughts. It was an interesting question. Was it actually possible to sum up that moment you thought they were the one for you?”

“I think it’s when you realize that someone is on the same wavelength as you. They make you happy, smile and laugh. But, more than that, they make you a better person.” I paused, surprised at my own insightfulness. “Perhaps the best way to put it is that you feel whole when you are with them; even if you didn’t realize you weren’t whole before.”

Shaun nodded at me, his face very serious. I struggled not to laugh as he attempted to take it all in. “So dad?” He asked again, I was used to this now. “Why are you and Kate no more; she made you a better person.”

I was shocked for a moment; what had Shaun seen that I had not?

“How do you mean?” I asked gently. “Well,” He replied. “She made you calmer and you were happy; I’ve never seen you that happy. You were also very kind to strangers.” As an afterthought, he added, “I liked it.”

Stunned I ruffled his hair again. “Thanks but sometimes it’s more complicated than that.” Now come on, let’s eat. With that I picked up the phone; this was definitely a take away night.

By the time the pizza arrived Shaun had his favorite program on. Not having the heart for an argument I simply let him have it on the couch next to me. The children’s channel on the television couldn’t hold my interest. My mind kept thinking about what Shaun had said. “Was he right?” I wondered; in that short space of time did Kate make me a better person? Well, she certainly made me a happier one.

“Shaun,” I asked cautiously, “Why do you think Kate didn’t like the necklace I picked out for her?” I paused, looking at him. “I mean, surely if she loves me then she would want any gift from me.” Shaun laughed. “I’ll have any gift.” He said, “Especially if it’s a toy.” He looked at me for a moment and I could see how much he looked like me. “I don’t think she likes expensive things.” His attention immediately returned to the television, leaving me to consider what he had said.

I had to concede he might have a point; Kate had said she had bad experiences in the past; what if they had all given her gifts in order to get something? With a jolt I suddenly saw how it looked to her. The gift was after our lovemaking; it was almost like payment. I hadn’t meant it that way but it had probably been received that way!

“Thanks son.” I said rising from the couch. Shaun smiled at me, “It’s just as well one of us is clever, isn’t it dad?” His cheeky grin melted my heart, as always.

I had nearly reached my phone when it rang. My heart raced. Maybe it was Kate! I scooped it off the side. “Hello?” I asked excitedly. “Hello, is that Mr. Live?” Came the reply. “Yes,” I responded. “Who is this?” The voice continued; “It’s Dr. Barrie. I have a patient in here that is delirious and keeps asking for you. Her ID says she is Kate Badurn.” He paused, allowing the information to sink in before asking. “Do you know her?”

“Yes,” I said, my voice sounding like it belonged to someone else. I crashed down onto the stool; “What happened?” Dr. Barrie replied; “She was in a car accident, nothing too serious but she has been heavily sedated all day; it’s the first time we have got any real information from her.”

“I’ll be right there, thank you Dr.” I could hear myself saying as I hung up. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as I turned towards the living room.

“Shaun,” I called. “Kate’s been in an accident, we have to go to the hospital.” Surprisingly Shaun was beside me in less than thirty seconds. She had really made an impression on him. “Are you okay dad?” He asked as I searched for keys and wallet; my mind still dazed.

“Yes,” I said firmly. “Let’s go.”

The drive to the hospital was only fifteen minutes; Shaun kept me distracted. “It’s never too late dad, all the movies show the couple getting together at the end.” I nudged him playfully. “Okay, you old romantic.” I paused before adding, “Perhaps we should see how she is first.”

It was amazing how quickly we were escorted through to the right wing of the hospital. The doctor guided us into a small room. “She is stable at the moment with a broken leg, arm and a large bump on her head.” He said, his face still serious. I nodded, waiting for the ‘but’ to appear. “But,” the doctor continued. “The bump is of concern; she has some swelling and is not completely aware of her surroundings. If it doesn’t improve in the next few hours we will need to operate.”

“Can I see her?” I could hear myself asking, desperately hoping he would say yes.

“Yes,” the doctor said after a pause. “But.” He continued, “It might be best if your son stays in here for a minute while you go in.” I looked at Shaun. “Is that okay with you son?” I asked him cautiously. He nodded, “Don’t worry dad, I’ll wait here with the toys.” I should have known he would have noticed the toys straight away. “A nurse will be here if he needs anything.” The doctor said reassuringly.

Taking a deep breath, I gave Shaun a kiss on the head and headed for Kate’s room.