FINN THOMPSON
PRESENT - 24TH OCTOBER 2025
Ican’t get the image of Skye out of my head, and I don’t want to. The way she stared up at me with those big eyes that were practically glittering in the light, the exact same as Maya’s. My beautiful brown-eyed girls.
I shake as I sit at the desk in my room, having texted my parents and sister that I need to video call them. The influx of messages after was pure panic, but I told them not to worry, and it’s safe to say they don’t believe me.
The three boxes pop up on the screen when I accept the joint call. My chest heaves as I see them all.
“What’s going on, Finn?” my mother asks, her voice filled with dread.
“I’m okay,” I say with a swallow.
“You’ve been struggling, son?”
“Still sober, Dad.”
“Well, that’s good. We’re proud of you.” He offers a relieved smile.
My hand clutches my phone. “So, I need to tell you guys something.” I flick my eyes to my sister, who frowns at the screen.
“Spit it out, Finn,” Ivy says, growing impatient. “You’re scaring me.”
I close my eyes and calm my breathing for a moment. “Okay…” I sigh and lean back in my chair. “I’m—” I curse to myself. “I’m a father.”
The call goes deathly silent, and my pulse pounds in my throat.
“You’re what?” I hear my mother’s voice.
“I’m a father to a twelve-week-old girl named Skye.”
Ivy’s mouth falls open, and my mother claps a hand over her lips.
“Wh—” My father’s voice pauses. “What do you mean?”
I drag a hand down my face. “I didn’t tell you guys at the time, but in my second year of university, I met a girl called Maya. She’s great, and beautiful, and totally out of my league. But she fought for me, even in my darkest moments. And then she told me she was pregnant earlier this year, but I was too drunk to remember the conversation, and I said some nasty things that I didn’t mean. I only just found out.”
“Oh, Finn.” Ivy’s eyes begin to wobble.
“So, she had the baby over the summer,” I say as my voice grows hoarse. “And I didn’t know. I had no idea until I went to her house a few weeks ago. She’s going to let me see her more often, but only if I remain sober and prove it.”
My mother begins to sob. “Oh my god.”
“I-I thought you guys should know,” I say as I lower my gaze.
“Are you happy?” Ivy asks.
My chest warms, and I nod without hesitation. “Yes, but also terrified. I didn’t even know how to hold a baby, and she’s so beautiful. She’s so tiny and perfect, and I want to be there forher. I don’t want her to grow up without a father, and I want the best. The best for both of them.”
A tear rolls down my cheek, and I curse myself for getting emotional when I said I wouldn’t, but it’s inevitable. My entire life has turned upside down, and I definitely wasn’t prepared for it.
“Oh, baby,” my mum coos. “I wish I was there to give you a hug and support you.”
“I’ve got JJ and the guys.” I wipe my face and clutch my arms over my chest. “I’m doing okay, just need to stay on top of everything, you know?”
My dad clears his throat. “What about your studies?”
“I’ve gone to every lecture and class since the year began,” I state. “And I will continue to do so, but it’s a priority to me to support Maya, see Skye, and do as much as I can for them. I’ve got a lot to make up for, and I refuse to see her suffer. I should have been there, and I wasn’t.”
