Apollo Nida has been MIA on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta but made his return just days before he began his jail stint to apologize to his young boys for his legal woes.

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Nida, who is married to show co-star Phaedra Parks, is currently serving an eight-year sentence in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to serious fraud charges including identity theft last year. Before going in, he had an emotional conversation with his four-year-old son Ayden.

Ayden confessed that he felt "sad" when his father was not home.

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"I want you to come back right now."

Nida then tried to find the words to explain to Ayden that he would be going away for a long time and would not be able to return home when Ayden wanted.

The tot responded, "Then I'll come to visit you and I'll stay there forever."

Nida was pleased with his response as it reassured him that Ayden still loved him despite all that is going on.

Ayden added, "And I care about you."

Nida later told cameras that he is still having a hard time coming terms with the idea that he will be away from his family for so long.

"It's a difficult pill to swallow. It's almost like I feel helpless. It's almost like I'm in prison but I'm not in prison."

He then apologized to his sons for his actions, but let them know "it's not forever. I'll be home soon."