Nobody spoke.
Marcus looked directly at Andrew. “Maybe then you’ll finally become a real man. I’m trying to save you from a world that won’t be kind to you.”
The words hung over the table like smoke.
I remember hearing my niece start crying in the next room, I remember my mother whispering, “Marcus,” and I remember Andrew’s face.
Not angry or embarrassed. Just… broken.
He stood.
“I don’t have to sit here and listen to this.”
Marcus leaned back in his chair.
“You’ve been avoiding the truth your whole life.”
Andrew looked at me. For one awful second, I thought he was asking me to choose.
I should have stood up.
I should have walked out with him. Instead, I stayed in my chair, stunned into silence.
Andrew left the dining room, ran upstairs, and a few minutes later, I heard the front door close. I thought he just needed air. I had no idea it would be the last time I’d see my son for years.
