Chapter 1: The Crack in the Glass
Leo’s sobs came in waves, small at first—like he was testing if it was safe to let them out. Then suddenly, they weren’t small anymore.
They broke.
His tiny hands grabbed onto her uniform, clutching it like it was the only solid thing in a world that didn’t make sense.
“I didn’t mean to throw it…” he choked out. “I just… I just hate everything.”
The woman held him closer, her voice soft but steady.
“It’s okay to feel that way sometimes.”
Behind them, the man in the suit—Ethan—tightened his grip on the glass in his hand. The ice inside clinked sharply. His jaw flexed.
“Hating everything isn’t acceptable behavior,” he said coldly.
The boy flinched.
The woman didn’t turn around right away. She simply kept her hand on Leo’s back, gently rubbing circles.
“Not acceptable… or not understood?” she asked quietly.
That made Ethan pause.
Finally, she stood, still holding Leo’s hand, and faced him.
“You see anger,” she continued. “I see a child who’s hurting.”
Ethan scoffed. “He has everything. This penthouse. The best schools. Anything he wants.”
“And yet,” she said gently, “he still feels like he’s losing something.”
Silence filled the room.
Leo whispered, “I miss her…”
May you like
Ethan’s expression froze.
The glass in his hand lowered slightly.
