Chapter 84

Brian's POV

I stared at the ceiling, watching as morning sunlight crept across my bedroom. Another day. The light pattern on my comforter reminded me of how Mom used to point out shapes in the clouds when wwe'd sit in Central Park. My chest tightened at the memory.

Suddenly,I remembered-next week was the big event at preschool. Lucy and I would be reciting a poem together. The thought sat heavy in my stomach like a stone.

All the other kids would have parents there-cheering,taking pictures,beaming with pride. And me? I'd probably be the only one standing alone.Dad barely noticed me anymore. His world revolved around Sarah and her baby now. And Grandma Betty was just as bad, constantly fussing over Sarah like she was already family, like I didn't even exist anymore.

"Brian, time to get up." MMs. Taylor's voice came through the door, crisp and professional.

I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled into the hallway. The breakfast table was already set-a bowl of cereal, sliced fruit, and a glass of orange juice. I sat down and stared at the food. It wasn't anything like Mom's special breakfasts-her banana pancakes shaped like animals or her French toast with cinnamon smiley faces drawn in powdered sugar. But at least there was food. Everything had changed since Mom left. "Thank you," I said quietly, making sure to eat every bite. Mom always said wasting food was disrespectful to those who didn't have enough.Thinking about her advice made my heart ache all over again. After finishing breakfast, I took a deep breath and asked, "Ms. Taylor, my preschool has a parent-child event next week. Could you come?" Ms. Taylor exchanged a quick glance with Mitchell, who stood near the doorway. I could read their concerned expressions-they were worried about overstepping boundaries.

Mitchell cleared his throat. "Would your father be upset if we attended,Brian?"

At the mention of Dad, I felt my chest tighten and the small smile I'd managed disappeared instantly. "Dad only cares about Sarah now," I said,my voice getting smaller. "He won't even notice anything about preschool events."

I looked down at my empty bowl, whispering, "Dad hasn't really been home much lately... and Grandma Betty just wants to take care of Sarah's baby. So don't worry, nobody will care who I invite as my family."

I tried to keep my voice steady, not wanting them to see how much it hurt.But I think they knew anyway, because Mitchell's eyes suddenly got watery.

Mitchell knelt down to my level, meeting my eyes directly."Then I will definitely be there, Brian."

Ms. Taylor quickly added, "I'll come too! We'll both be there to support you!"

A warm feeling spread through my chest, and I couldn't help but smile genuinely. "You're both so nice.Thank you." Back in my room, I sat on the edge of my bed, imagining the day of the event. Would Mom be there? She lived with Lucy now, so she'd definitely attend to watch Lucy perform. That meant she would see me too...right? I went to my closet and carefully looked through every outfit. I needed to wear something really nice so Mom would spot me immediately in the crowd. And I would practice the poem perfectly so when Lucy and I recited it together,Mom would feel proud of me.

Maybe she'd take pictures or videos, and then I'd be on her phone. My eyes got misty thinking about it. I could pretend... just for a little while...that she came for me too.

Standing at the school entrance, I spotted Mom in the distance.She was holding Lucy's hand, with Uncle Howard standing beside them. Lucy hugged Mom's leg,seeming to plead for something. I froze in place,unable to approach them but couldn't look away either.

Mom smiled so gently, stroking Lucy's golden hair with such tenderness.She used to do the same for me-comfort me when I made mistakes,protect me when I was scared. Now all her warmth belonged to Lucy.

I bit my lip hard to keep from crying. Upper East Side Private Preschool boys don't cry in public-Dad always emphasized that.

Lucy skipped happily toward her friend Penny while Mom and Uncle Howard turned toward their car. I wanted so badly to run after them, to shout "Mom!" and make her turn around to see me. But my feet felt rooted to the ground, unable to take a single step.

"She must have seen me," I whispered to myself. "Because I was standing right next to Lucy. Mom must have noticed me."

I convinced myself that Mom had actually come to drop me off too.This thought gave me the strength to walk through the school doors, even though deep down I knew it was just my imagination. I felt my backpack lighten suddenly-Mitchell had taken it from my shoulders. "Brian, I'll pick you up after school," he said kindly. I nodded, "Okay, Mitchell. Thank you." Before entering the classroom, I couldn't help looking back one more time, hoping to catch another glimpse of Mom, but she was already gone.

Back home in the afternoon, I was sitting at my desk doing homework when my phone suddenly rang. Grandma Ruth's number flashed on the screen. I was surprised-she hadn't contacted me in ages.

"Hello?" I answered cautiously.

"Child," Grandma Ruth's warm voice came through the phone,"are you free tonight?"

I immediately relaxed a little. Grandma Ruth's voice was always so gentle,reminding me of Mom. After all, Mom's kindness must have come from her.

"Hmm?" I responded simply, unsure why she was calling out of the blue.

"Grandma misses you," she said in that warm way that sounded a bit like Mom, with her slight Brooklyn accent. "How about visiting Grandma after school?"

Her words sent a wave of warmth through me. Grandma Ruth actually cared about me, unlike Dad and Grandma Betty. I suddenly realized I hadn't visited her since Mom left.

"Yes!" I answered,feeling excited.

"What would you liketo eat? Grandma will cook for you," she asked, her voice full of affection. Mom always taught me not to be picky about food, to be grateful for what I received. "I like everything you make, Grandma," I replied honestly. My answer seemed to touch her, as her voice grew even softer:"Then Grandma will make all your favorite dishes!" "That's wonderful!" I exclaimed, feeling a rush of warmth. Grandma Ruth had always loved me, even after Mom and Dad's divorce, her love remained unchanged.

Hanging up, I leaned back in my chair, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. I missed Mom terribly, but at least I still had Grandma. Maybe tonight I could ask her about Mom. Grandma Ruth would surely know how Mom was doing, whether she was truly happy. Perhaps I could even gather the courage to tell Grandma Ruth about next week's school event and invite her to attend.

Mitchell entered the room and, seeing my smile, smiled back. "Brian looks happy today?"

"Grandma invited me to her house for dinner," I answered. "Can we go to Brooklyn tonight?"

"Of course," Mitchell nodded. "I'll arrange the car right away."

Thinking about seeing Grandma Ruth, I felt both nervous and excited.I wasn't sure what we'd talk about, but at least at Grandma Ruth's house,I could feel that sense of being loved-the same feeling I had when Mom was around.