“Look after your mother and brother, for I fear he is cursed with my wrath and tenacity.”
“I will, Father. We will meet again. It’s never goodbye.”
My wise son will change the world. I know he will.
“You’re right, my son. For as long as you and your brother exist, so do I.” I kiss his forehead, savoring his scent and the feel of his small frame in my arms.
How I wish I had more time there. So much was wasted. But I will fight for his freedom and die a thousand deaths if it means he and Sune grow in a world that is just and rich in equality.
“Remember, I love you. Always.”
“And I love you, Father.”
Removing the Mjolnir from around my neck, I place the silver chain around his neck.
“I do not need a token to remember you by because you are a part of me,” Loki says, cupping the Mjolnir pendant in his tiny palm. “But I will cherish it forever.”
I hug him tightly, unbelieving that I gave life to someone so remarkable. I wish I could see him grow into the brilliant man I know he will become, but life isn’t destined that way.
Letting him go, I tap the end of his nose and smile.
There will never be enough time to say goodbye to your child, so I simply leave Loki in the rose garden, already knowing that he will change the world.
Sune continues his invisible battle, but despite his apathy toward me, I wish to let him know that I am proud of the man he is and will become.
“Sune, come now.”
When he continues to ignore me, I speak to him in Norse.
He understands the seriousness of my order and soon puts down his sword. He walks over, pouty lip upturned. He is angry about the predicament we’re in, and I know he blames me for it.
I drop to a squat. “You fight well, son. A true warrior.”
Sune listens but doesn’t speak.
“You are angry with me, and I understand. I wasn’t there for you or your brother.”
“Or Mother,” Sune adds, folding his arms in defiance.
“Yes, you’re right. I was not. But I hope when you are older, you will understand why that is. I believed I was doing the right thing. Your mother has sacrificed so much for this country, and I only threatened that hard work.”
It sounds like an excuse, but I can hope when he grows older and wiser, he will see why I did what I did.
“You are old enough to understand that today, we incite war. I do not know if we will win this time.”
Sune’s eyes soften, but my brave boy doesn’t cry. “You will not return?”
“With everything I am, I will try my hardest, but all's fair in love and war, my son. If I do not, I need you to look after your mother. She will be all right because she is a fighter, just like you and Loki. But you are my eldest son, and you are the man of this house when I am not here.
“Can you do that for me?”
Sune nods, his chest suddenly puffing out in pride. “Yes, Father. But you will be back. Promise me.”
“I cannot promise that, Sune. Only the gods know what is in my future. But know I will fight until death to return to you, your brother, and your mother. I am proud to be your father. Never forget that. I love you, my boy. My firstborn. My life.”
I remove the silver arm ring and place it around Sune’s wrist. It’s in the shape of a wolf.
Sune’s bravado soon lowers, and he throws his arms around my neck, hugging me tight. “I love you too, Faðir.”
