The morning arrived softly, with sunlight filtering through the clouds in golden streaks. Ethan woke before Noah, the quiet of the house stretching around him like a gentle reminder that today could be anything—but the past still lingered in whispers.
Noah stirred moments later, blinking against the light. “Daddy… can we… go outside?”
Ethan smiled, brushing the boy’s hair back. “Of course, buddy. It’s a beautiful morning.”
Breakfast was slow, deliberate. Noah seemed distracted, picking at his cereal while watching the sunlight shift across the floor. Ethan noticed, quietly patient, letting the silence fill the gaps.
“Something bothering you, buddy?” he asked gently.
Noah hesitated. “I… I don’t know. Maybe… just worried. About Mommy.”
Ethan nodded. He understood immediately. The boy h
