It’s 1994. I’m riding the circuit with the carnival, flipping bikes in the air for gas money and cheap thrills. Schenectady’s just another stop—until I see her again. Romina. My Romina. She’s got a kid now. Her boyfriend Kofi walks beside her like he owns the sidewalk. But the boy’s eyes… they’re mine.

I do the math. Nine months ago, we were together. One night. I never called. Never came back. And now there’s a child. My son. Jason.

I quit the show. I’m not leaving again. I find work with Robin, a grease-stained mechanic with a past. He sees my desperation. Offers a way out—fast cash, no questions. First time I pull the mask on, my hands shake. But I think of Jason. Of diapers. Of a crib.

I leave a stack of bills on Romina’s table. She throws them back. Says I don’t get to play dad this way. But I do. I will. Even if it kills me.