Chapter 4: Leonardo

Finally we make it home.

I had my doubts that we would.

Now there is only Leonardo to get through- I mean, to spend time with.

I hope we will not go anywhere, but I find that Leonardo is waiting to take me someplace as well.

This time we walk.

Blessed son!

He is carrying a backpack, but will not say what is inside. I assume it is more disguises.

He asks me how the day has been so far. I speak kindly and glowingly of the many pleasures I have enjoyed today with my sons.

I think he believes me.

He has brought us by a roundabout way to my old lair!

"I guess I'm feeling sentimental, Sensei," he says, as he pulls out equipment for building a small fire and making tea. "But I wanted to come here, where you first brought us, and talk about that day."

He brews the thick green tea, and prepares us each a cup, in the tradition of the tea ceremony.

I know he does not like it, but I am glad he makes the effort.

We sit quietly for a short time, enjoying the tea. Then:

"Sensei- do you ever regret the course of your life?"

I feel as if I am suddenly in a very crowded public place with no disguise.

Do I ever regret the course of my life?

Such a question!

How can you answer your son truthfully such a question?

You stall for time.

"What do you mean, my son?"

"You're stalling for time, Sensei. Do you ever regret the day when you found us? Do you ever regret being mutated, becoming something you weren't born to be? Do you ever regret the course of your life?"

I sip the tea, my mind turning this question over and over.

Do I ever regret the course of my life?

"Leonardo- I honestly cannot say that I have ever thought of this subject," I slowly answer. "I have wondered greatly at the course of my life. I have regrets for the tragic fate of my Master Yoshi. I have regrets for the dangerous life that has befallen you and your brothers. I have regrets of eating Michaelangelo's breakfast and then spending part of my day in or on various swift-moving transportation, thereby unsettling my stomach."

I sip the welcome tea again. I sense he is not satisfied with my answer.

"I am guessing you mean, do I regret being father to four teenage mutant ninja turtles," I finally say.

He looks at me, no judgment, no expectations on his face.

No visual clues into his soul.

He has learned well.

"Leonardo, my son," I say, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I have never regretted being the father of four such sons as you, Donetello, Raphael, and Michaelangelo-except when the music is too loud, or you fight with each other, or you do not clean your rooms."

He looks too serious.

"I was making a joke," I say, and his face clears. "How can you, how can any of you, wonder such a thing? I love you all. I do not regret that day when I found you. I do not regret the course of my life- of our lives together. I do not regret being mutated- and as for becoming something I was not born to be- perhaps this was what I was born to be. I do not know the answer. I do not question my fate, though I have wondered about it from time to time. But regret being your father? How could you ask such a thing, my son?"

He looks as happy as the other three have looked throughout this special day.

Kids.

He prepares the thin green tea as a follow up to the thick macha, and while we quietly drink this, he produces some ginger cookies for us to eat as well.

At last- a quiet moment to sit still and think.

To rest.

To relax.

To reflect.

"Well, we'd better hurry. The guys should have dinner ready by now," Leonardo suddenly announces, and bustles about cleaning up and getting ready to go.

I refrain from comment.

After all, these are my sons.

I am lucky to have four such caring sons who willingly go to such trouble to honor me on this day.

I just hope Michaelangelo did not cook.