Julian's mother arrived on a Saturday afternoon.
She looked nervous, clutching her bag tightly, but her face softened the moment she saw Julian. She crossed the room and pulled him into a long, fierce hug. They stood there in silence, mother and son, years of distance slowly cracking open.
Sebastian stayed in the kitchen, giving them space. When they finally separated, she was crying.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry I left you with him. I should have been braver.”
Julian shook his head, eyes wet. “You were brave mum. You left, you survived and you gave me the recording that helped put him away.”
She looked at Sebastian. “And you… you’re the one who makes him smile like this.”
Sebastian gave her a gentle smile. “I try every day.”
Julian laughed softly. “He’s more than okay,
