“Listen to me,” he said softly. “Family pictures aren’t complete without you in them.”
I saw Leo’s shoulders relax for the first time that evening.
Later, driving home under a sky heavy with early stars, son watched me from the back seat.
“Mom? Your face got really quiet.”
I found his eyes in the mirror.
He thought about it, kicking one sneaker against the seat.
“No. It was like when you tell me it’s bedtime and you’re not gonna argue.”
I laughed for the first time all night.
Mark reached across the console and squeezed my hand. He didn’t say anything; he didn’t need to.
A week later the donations were refunded. Chloe started counseling. Ryan moved into his parents’ guest room while they figured out what came next.
