Neither of us spoke.
Then, Greg quietly added, “I had dreams.”
“So did I.”
He looked away.
“I know.”
Neither apology nor regret followed.
Just silence.
Liam never mentioned overhearing that conversation.
At least, I assumed he hadn’t.
Looking back now, I realize how much he noticed.
More than either of us understood.
Despite everything, Liam graduated at the top of his class.
The principal praised his resilience in front of hundreds of families.
Parents stood and applauded.
I cried through almost the entire ceremony.
Greg clapped politely.
Nothing more.
Liam received acceptance letters from several outstanding universities.
He eventually chose one known for engineering and assistive technology research.
“I want to build things that make life easier,” he told me.
“You already make people’s lives better,” I assured him and kissed his forehead.
He smiled.
The weeks before his 18th birthday flew by.
My sister, Nora, insisted we celebrate at our house.
