Approaching the New Year
Evan sat at his desk, staring at the wedding invitation in his hand. Reza & Nadira – January 2, 2018.
So, it's official. Nadira was really going to marry Reza.
He exhaled slowly, his eyes shifting to the calendar in the corner of the desk. Less than two weeks left.
This New Year's Eve, Reza wouldn't be there to party with him like in previous years. But that wasn't a problem.
Evan had no intention of partying this year.
He had another plan. Something more important.
His hand gripped the invitation tightly, then without another thought, he shoved it into a drawer and shut it.
This wasn't the time to dwell on things that couldn't be changed. Focus.
Before New Year's Eve arrived, before the worst could happen, he had to make sure of one thing.
—
Evan's Request
Evan stood in front of Ayla, looking at her seriously.
"I want to ask for your permission," he said softly.
Ayla raised an eyebrow. "Permission for what?"
"To celebrate New Year's and my birthday with Raka. Just for one night," Evan said. "On January 1, I promise I'll bring him back to you."
Ayla paused, weighing the request. Since Evan had grown closer to Raka, she had seen how much he cared for their child. But still…
"Where are you planning to take him?" she asked finally.
Evan gave a small smile. "I don't know yet, maybe just a walk, playing around, then watching fireworks. Nowhere far, nothing dangerous. I just want to be near him on New Year's night."
Ayla still looked at him doubtfully. "Why does it have to be New Year's Eve? Why your birthday?"
Evan fell silent for a moment. He couldn't answer truthfully. He couldn't say that he was afraid everything would change the next day, that he was afraid of losing everything again.
"I just want to spend time with him," he finally replied, his voice a bit quieter. "Just one night, Ayla."
Ayla took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Her eyes studied Evan's face, trying to find something.
Until at last, she nodded.
"Okay."
—
An Uncertain New Year's Eve
Evan sat in his car, his fingers tapping the steering wheel in an uneven rhythm. His eyes stared straight ahead, but his mind was far away.
This New Year's Eve felt different. No party plans, no clinking glasses, no euphoric celebration like in previous years.
Only uncertainty.
Would he be 26 tomorrow? Or still 25 for the fourth time?
He let out a long sigh. If he remained 25, then everything he had achieved this year might vanish again. Maybe no one would remember that he won a major project. No one would remember all his hard work. Maybe even Raka would forget him.
The thought tightened his chest.
Evan wiped his face, trying to calm himself. He still had time. Tonight, he would meet Raka. Spend one night with him, create as many memories as possible.
Even if everything disappeared tomorrow... at least tonight would be his.
—
A Different New Year's Eve
Evan put his phone into his pocket after sending a short message to Ayla, confirming that his plan for tomorrow was still on track.
He walked into the family room at his parents' house, where his mother was sitting on the couch, busy with her phone.
"Mom," Evan called, sitting beside her.
"Hm?" She glanced at him, smiled briefly, then returned to her phone.
"I want to tell you something," Evan said.
This time, his mother gave him her full attention. "What is it?"
"Tomorrow, December 31, I want to pick up Raka in the morning. I'll take him out all day, then at night we'll come back here. I want to celebrate New Year's and my birthday at home, with you, Dad, and Raka."
His mother's eyes widened, surprised and delighted. "Seriously? You don't have plans to party with your friends?"
Evan shook his head gently. "No. This year I just want to be home, with family."
For a moment, she looked like she couldn't believe it. Her son, who used to be obsessed with parties and luxurious celebrations with his friends, now wanted to spend New Year's Eve at home? With his family?
A deep sense of emotion filled her. She looked at Evan intently, as if trying to figure out if this was really her son.
"You've really changed, Evan," she murmured with a warm smile. "I'm so happy."
Evan gave a small smile. "Yeah… maybe it's time."
In his heart, he wanted to say something more—that maybe this would be his last chance. That he didn't know what would happen after New Year's Eve. But he swallowed those words.
For now, he just wanted to enjoy the time he had left.
—
A Day with Raka
Early in the morning, Evan was already standing in front of Ayla's house, waiting for the door to open. He carried a small bag filled with snacks and drinks for their outing.
The door opened, revealing a small figure who immediately shouted with joy.
"Uncle Evan!" Raka jumped out and grabbed Evan's hand with a bright face.
Evan chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair. "Ready to play all day?"
"Ready!" Raka nodded enthusiastically.
Ayla appeared behind him, arms folded. "Don't forget to eat on time and don't come home too late."
Evan raised his hand as if taking an oath. "Don't worry, I won't let him go hungry."
Ayla sighed, then crouched to fix Raka's jacket. "Be careful, honey."
"Yes, Mama!" Raka nodded.
And they were off.
Playground
Their first destination was an indoor playground. As soon as they entered, Raka's eyes sparkled at the sight of the various attractions.
"What do you want to play first?" Evan asked.
Raka pointed to a giant trampoline. "That bouncy one!"
Evan smiled. "Okay, let's go!"
They took off their shoes and stepped into the trampoline area. At first, Raka bounced lightly, then higher and higher. Evan joined in, laughing at the boy's excitement.
"Uncle Evan jumps higher!" Raka shouted.
Evan deliberately jumped higher, then pretended to lose his balance and landed on his butt. "Ouch! Raka's so good at this!"
Raka giggled and flopped down next to Evan.
Lunch
After playing to their hearts' content, they sat at the food court. Evan ordered Raka's favorite—nuggets, fries, and orange juice.
"Is it good?" Evan asked while taking a bite of his own food.
Raka nodded with a full mouth. "Uncle Evan should eat a lot too, so you'll be strong!"
Evan laughed. "Alright. If Uncle Evan gets stronger, what do you want to do next?"
"See the fish!"
"Okay, we'll go to the aquarium next."
Giant Aquarium
Inside the aquarium, Raka was mesmerized by the fish swimming behind the giant glass. He pressed his hands against the glass, following the movement of a stingray.
"Uncle Evan, what kind of fish is that?" he asked, pointing.
"That's a carpet shark," Evan replied.
"Why is it called a carpet? Can you sleep on it?"
Evan chuckled. "No, it just looks like a carpet."
They kept walking, observing all kinds of sea creatures. Raka looked completely absorbed in the experience, and Evan felt his heart warm seeing the boy's happiness.
Ending the Day with Ice Cream
Before heading home, they stopped at an ice cream shop. Raka chose chocolate, while Evan got vanilla.
As they sat on a bench in the park, Raka looked at Evan with innocent eyes. "Uncle Evan, when can we play again?"
Evan smiled, though a hint of sorrow appeared in his eyes. "I hope soon."
Raka nodded contentedly, unaware of the sadness behind Evan's smile.
That day, Evan made a silent promise—whatever happens after New Year's Eve, he would never let go of Raka.
—