On 5 December 2020, it was a Saturday. It was also the first time I seen Zur’s biological father. It may not be in person which was quite sad. I was looking forward to see him even if it’s behind a glass window. I did asked Zur the day before how he is feeling and he let off the rest of his grudge. It was quite nerve-wrecking because for one, I never got to meet this man before, what more talk to him. What do I call him? What do I say to him?
We were brought in a small room where we would see each other via screen. Dear god, Zur truly was his father’s son. They both look so much alike, even more with their glasses. All my worries went away. It was comforting to hear him talk, and both son and father reconciled. I was comfortable talking to him too. Even little Zahra was smiling and waving at him. He made an effort to get to know me and my family and even told us he wants Zahra to call him ‘Yayi’. It touched my heart.
Before we met him, Zur has always talked about showing to his father his achievements. What he has done in life without him. But all things changed when we sat on the chair, in that small room. We joked, we laughed. A family reunion that I never imagined was possible. Since I dated Zur, I have pushed him to reconcile with his father. I didn’t want him to regret when he is gone, the way I did. I was 16 when I realised my dad was not going to live a long life and watch me grow up the way he did with my siblings.
Zur’s father was regretful and he was appreciative of our visit. To look at him, to talk to him. He was content. Others may seem skeptical that he’ll be better but I believe him. I want to believe him. Before we left, Zur said, “I love you” and that he has forgiven him. I know he plucked up all the strength to say those words and I was elated to hear his father say it back.
All 3 of us shed tears. I know I shouldn’t expect much from this one visit but I look forward to the next one. While we can move on with our lives and do new things each day, he is inside, waiting for the next time he’ll see his family again. This is my opinion, and mine alone and I know I can’t speak for others but it was heartwarming to be able to meet him. I pray he is released early.
