I crossed the room slowly.
This time, I did not rush toward him.
I stopped.
“May I hug you?”
For the first time that morning, Eli smiled through his tears.
“You never had to ask.”
I wrapped my arms around my son.
He held me just as tightly.
“I am so sorry.”
My voice broke.
“I should have protected you.”
Eli rested his forehead against mine.
“I know.”
“No.”
Fresh tears filled my eyes.
“I need you to hear me.”
I took a breath.
“I failed you.”
He gently shook his head.
“You were lied to.”
“I should still have seen it.”
Eli was silent for a moment.
Then he smiled.
“We both believed someone who didn’t deserve our trust.”
I nodded.
“That will not happen again.”
He looked around the living room.
“It feels different.”
“It is.”
I reached for his hand.
“This has always been your home.”
