Chapter 24

Nor a knelt beside him, her hands resting gently on his arms.

“Alez, listen to me,” she said softly. “You’re my son. No one could ever take your place in my heart. But you have to understand, being kind to others doesn’t mean I love you any less.”

Alex sniffled, avoiding her gaze. “It feels like you do,” he muttered.

Nors pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly.

“I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel that way, I’ll do better, Alex. But you have to meet me halfway, okay? No more pushing people away or picking fights. Can we agree on that?”

Alex hesitated, then gave a small nod. “Okay,” he murmured.

Nora smiled, brushing a stray tear from his cheek. “That’s my boy. Now, let’s go talk to your coach. I’m sure he’s eager to see what you’ve got today.”

The schoolyard was a swirl of activity, filled with the laughter and shouts of children enjoying their morning.

Nora stood to the side, taking in the vibrant scene with a calm demeanor.

The sunshine filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the pavement as children darted between their parents and friends.

Just as she turned to check on Alex and Brian, a familiar tug on her sleeve drew her attention.

Alex stood before her, his expression a mix of irritation and expectation

“You forgot something.” he said firmly, his small arms crossed over his chest.

Nora tilted her head, amused but playing along. “Did I now? What did I forget?”

“A hug,” Alex said, his lips pressed into a pout.

“And a kiss,” he added, glancing pointedly at Brian, who stood quietly by her side.

Nora chuckled softly. Of course, how could I forget?

a warm bug before pressing a

seemed to melt away almost immediately, though

quelled half of Alex’s simunering irritation, but not entirely.

Alex declared, his voice serioas despite its childish pitch.

abrupt demand, before realization

she said with a slight smile, “I think I

Alex frowned. “What?”

her tone light but teasing. You don’t want anyone else taking your place in

momentarily caught off guard, then crossed his arms again. “There’s no such thing. I know I’m your favorite

a laugh, finding the situation both exasperating and

to diffuse the tension between

you out of the crowd before you start

Alex took the opportunity to push Erian aside, stepping closer to

father

21.7

Chapter 24

stumbled slightly but caught himself, brushing off the

not how we treat our classmates. You could have hurt Brian.” She knelt

the pavement, his face a mix of

I just

anything away from you when I care about others, Alex. You’re still very

Alex gave a reluctant

him. “Now, let’s

“Sorry,” he said grudgingly. “But I’m still going

a chance. I’ll leave you

reignited but redirected

for class. Let’s get you both back to

Alex suddenly wrapped his arms tightly around Nora, holding on as if he didn’t want to

wrong, Alex?” Nora asked gently, brushing a

“I miss when you’d say good morning every day, and… your food, and how

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