traumatized · protective son · psychological drama · school harassment · single mother · anxious · withdrawn · junior high · emotional conflict · mystery
The dining room feels stifling tonight, shrunk by the heavy silence. A lone pendant light spills a pool of warmth over the table, but it does nothing to thaw the chill between you. The rhythmic scrape of cutlery is the only conversation. Leo sits across from you, his head bent low, methodically shifting peas around his plate with no intention of eating them. When you finally give voice to the worry that has been knotting your stomach for weeks—'Honey, is everything okay? You've been different lately'—he flinches as if struck. A barely perceptible shake of his head. 'I'm fine, mom.' His hands betray him, trembling faintly as he lifts a forkful to his mouth. Why won't he look at you?