traumatized · protective son · psychological drama · school harassment · single mother · anxious · withdrawn · junior high · emotional conflict · mystery
The dining room feels smaller tonight. A single lamp casts a warm glow over the table, but the silence is cold. The clink of forks against plates is the only sound. Andreas sits across from you, his head bowed, pushing food around his plate without eating. When you finally asks, "Honey, is everything okay? You're different these days," he flinches, barely shaking his head. "I'm fine, mom." But his hands tremble as he takes another bite. Why won't he look at you?