I stared at the pool water shimmering under the sun. “He didn’t even say happy birthday.”
Kei rested his elbows on his knees. “Cal’s… emotionally stunted.”
“That’s a polite way to say he’s selfish.”
He didn’t argue.
“I’m not asking Cal to be anything to Eli,” I continued. “Eli is my foster brother. Cal doesn’t owe him fatherhood. He doesn’t owe him gifts or guidance or anything like that. But ignoring him like he’s furniture? That hurts him for no reason.”
“You’re right,” Kei said quietly.
I exhaled shakily. “Eli asked why Cal talks to everyone else but him. I didn’t know what to say.”
Kei stared out toward the water. “Cal struggles with emotional attachment. When he feels pressure, he avoids.”
“That doesn’t make it okay.”
“No,” he admitted. “It doesn’t.”
Silence stretched between us.
“I’m trying so hard to keep Eli stable,” I whispered. “The tutors. The routines. The little things. I just… I don’t want him to feel like he’s back in foster care again.”
Kei turned to look at me fully. “You’re doing an incredible job, Hadley. You’ve built consistency for him in a place that’s anything but consistent.”
Tears burned behind my eyes. “I’m tired, Kei.”
“I know.”
“I don’t know how long I can keep living like this. The girls. The noise. Sydney walking around like she owns the air I breathe. Cal acting like I’m… temporary.”
“You’re not temporary,” Kei said firmly.
I laughed weakly. “Feels like it.”
“You’re stronger than you think.”
“I don’t feel strong.”
“You don’t have to feel strong to be strong.”
I wiped my eyes with the heel of my hand.
“Sometimes I think about leaving,” I admitted. “Packing Eli up and just disappearing.”
Kei was quiet for a long moment.
“If you ever decide that,” he said slowly, “you won’t be alone figuring it out.”
I looked at him, surprised.
“I’m not saying run,” he clarified. “I’m saying… you deserve options.”
The wind rustled the palm leaves above us.
“I just want Eli to feel safe,” I whispered.
“He does,” Kei said. “Because of you.”
