Morning light filtered through the curtains as Nadine busied herself in the kitchen, preparing Liam’s lunchbox. She glanced at the clock, noting the time.
“Liam, come on! We’re running late, buddy,” she called out cheerfully.
Usually, he would come bounding into the room with endless chatter, but today there was only silence.
Nadine frowned and walked to the living room, where Liam sat quietly on the couch, his small hands clutching the strap of his backpack. His head was bowed, his feet swinging aimlessly above the floor.
“Liam?” she said gently, kneeling in front of him. “What’s wrong? You’ve been so quiet this morning.”
At first, he didn’t respond, but then he lifted his eyes to meet hers. They were brimming with tears. Nadine’s chest tightened as he whispered, “Mommy, why don’t I
