She doesn't have an answer. She can't admit that she chose comfort over her son, chose peace over fighting for me.
The boys return then, loaded up with cheap arcade prizes, oblivious to the tension crackling between us.
“Look what I won.” Travis holds up a stuffed animal. “Can you believe it? I thought these games were rigged.”
I force a smile, wiping my eyes quickly. “Nice job, kid.”
The drive back to the hotel is quiet, the earlier excitement dampened by whatever the boys sensed between me and Mom. When they drop me off, Caden rolls down the window.
“Can we do this again?” he asks. “Next time you're in town, or maybe we could come visit New York?”
I look at him. Really look at him. He’s fifteen years old, caught in the middle of a family that doesn't quite work, but he’s trying anyway. He didn't choose this situation any more than I did.
“Yeah, I'd like that. Maybe during spring break? You guys could come to New York, catch a game at Madison Square Garden.”
His face lights up. “Seriously?”
“Seriously. We'll make it happen.”
Travis leans across him. “Can we see the Statue of Liberty too?”
“Whatever you want, buddy.”
After they drive away, I stand in the parking lot for a long moment, processing everything. The conversation with my mother went exactly as badly as I feared.
But also, there are my brothers. The way Caden lit up when I offered to have them visit. It's a start.
Inside my hotel room, I collapse onto the bed and pull out my phone.
Me: Today was a lot.
Avery responds a few seconds later.
Avery: Tell me everything.
So I do. I tell her about the game and the conversation with my mother that left me feeling raw and exposed.
Avery: I'm so proud of you.
Me: For what? Yelling at my mother in a restaurant?
Avery: For being honest. For telling her how you felt instead of burying it. That's growth, Liam.
Me: Didn't feel like growth. Felt like losing my shit.
Avery: Sometimes those are the same thing. And inviting your brothers to New York is huge.
Me: Caden seemed excited.
Avery: You're giving them something they've never had. A relationship with their big brother. That matters.
My chest tightens with emotion.
Me: I miss you.
Avery: I miss you too. Now get some sleep. You have another game to win.
I set my phone down and stare at the ceiling, my mind still racing but my heart feeling lighter than it has all day.
