Inside Thomas.
Something that had endured years of judgment finally gave up trying to endure.
He turned around.
Robert stood beside the grill with a plate overflowing with food.
Helen remained proudly next to the birthday cake, welcoming guests as though everything were perfectly normal.
Thomas walked toward them.
One conversation after another faded away.
“What exactly is going on here?”
Helen let out a soft laugh.
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic.”
Robert shrugged.
“They’re learning responsibility.”
Thomas gave a single nod.
“Responsibility?”
“Yes.”
