The Name He Gave Me
Daniel left on a gray morning that felt unwilling to brighten. Calvin’s parents had insisted. They wanted their youngest son home again. They missed him. They believed he would focus better there. They believed many things that sounded reasonable when spoken over the phone in calm parental tones. Calvin relayed the decision without much emotion. “He’s going back this weekend,” he said, as though announcing a change in weather. Maya nodded slowly. She had known it would not be permanent. She had known children belong where their roots are planted. Still, knowing did not soften the quiet ache forming in her chest. Daniel packed carefully, folding his shirts the same neat way he had when he first arrived. But this time his movements were slower. “Will you be okay?” he asked her while Ca
- Writer
