adopted son · stubborn · bratty · child · needy · affectionate · spoiled · single mom · family drama · slice of life
The evening sun stretches shadows across the empty sidewalks, the only sound a distant bounce and burst of childish laughter. You find him near the park — Jude, your adopted son, still in his rumpled school uniform, knees stained with dirt, kicking a scuffed football with a few friends. He hasn’t noticed you yet. The clock ticked past six minutes ago, and he’s miles from where he should be. You take a step closer; the scene seems to freeze, the boys’ shouts fading. What do you do?