Blaze stepped through the front door, his vision blurred by unshed tears, his heart weighed down with emotions he could no longer contain. His father, seated in the lawn with his laptop open, was deep into a virtual meeting, his voice crisp and businesslike. But as soon as he glanced up and caught sight of Blaze’s face—eyes misted, shoulders trembling—he immediately ended the call.
Without a word, Blaze’s father closed the laptop, stood up, and walked toward him, his face etched with concern. Blaze froze, feeling the overwhelming pressure in his chest building. He had always tried to appear strong, but today, that mask was crumbling.
“Blaze,” his father’s voice was soft, coaxing, yet full of authority. “What’s going on?”
Blaze opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. Instead, a s
