But the silence between us grew heavy with questions.
One night, days before graduation, he stood in the kitchen while I washed dishes.
He shifted his weight nervously.
Tugged at the sleeve of his hoodie.
“Mom,” he said quietly.
I turned off the faucet.
“What’s going on, Ethan?”
He hesitated.
“On graduation night… I’m going to show you something.”
“Then you’ll understand why I’ve been gone so much.”
My heart dropped.
“Show me what?”
He smiled — small, uncertain, but determined.
“Just trust me. Please.”
I nodded.
Even as dread curled tightly in my chest.
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