Chapter 2: A Name and a Story
The boy ate like someone who had learned not to trust food would last.
Not messy. Not rushed.
Just… careful.
Vanessa sat across from him now, her posture no longer rigid, her expression no longer cold.
“What’s your name?” she asked.
The boy swallowed before answering.
“Liam.”
Ethan smiled immediately. “I’m Ethan. I mean—you know that.”
Liam gave the smallest nod.
Vanessa folded her hands. “Do you have family, Liam?”
Silence.
Then, “Not anymore.”
The table went still.
Ethan looked at him, confused. “What do you mean?”
Liam stared at his plate. “My mom got sick last year. We lost the apartment. I’ve just been… around.”
Vanessa’s throat tightened.
“Around?” she repeated softly.
He shrugged. “Shelters sometimes. Mostly outside.”
Ethan’s face fell. “You saved me… and you’re living like that?”
Liam didn’t answer.
Because to him…
That wasn’t the surprising part.
Helping someone was normal.
Being helped back?
That was new.
Vanessa leaned back slowly, processing everything.
Then she asked something that surprised even herself.
“Would you… let us help you?”
Liam looked up sharply.
Not hopeful.
Not excited.
Suspicious.
“Why?” he asked.
Vanessa paused.
Because three hours ago, she wouldn’t have.
Because three minutes ago, she might not have.
But now…
May you like
She looked at her son.
“You already helped us,” she said quietly.
