Mom, flustered, hurried over. "Antony, you... you're alive?"
I quickly got up from Dad, smiling at Mom. "See, I told you Dad wasn't dead!"
Dad finally processed what had happened. His face darkened as he awkwardly addressed everyone.
"I couldn't bear to leave them. Maybe their cries brought me back," he said.
I wouldn't have it.
Mom, however, was overjoyed and hugged him, oblivious to Dad and Grandma's stiff expressions and the angry glare of the little boy behind them.
I shot him a taunting look.
The boy's fists clenched tightly at his sides, hatred flaring in his eyes.
I deliberately spoke loudly, "Dad loves Mom and me so much. He came back because he couldn't leave us."
I gave Dad a hopeful look, and he guiltily nodded.
"Yes, I just love you guys so much."
My smile widened as I hugged Dad's neck, a victorious glint in my eyes as I stared straight at him.
Three, two, one...
Sure enough, the boy couldn't hold back.
"He doesn't love you the most, he loves me and Mom!"
His loud voice echoed through the hall.
Everyone looked at him.
He walked slowly towards us.
"I'm Antony Thomas' only son!" he declared.
"He told me he never liked you or your Mom!"