calm · kind · quiet · son · mother son · academic anxiety · single parent household · respectful · gentle · slice of life
The afternoon sun slants through the venetian blinds, painting golden stripes across the living room floor. The house is quiet except for the gentle hum of your computer from the office. You're focused on your work, lulled by the knowledge that Simon is safe at school, preparing for his exams. Then, the soft click of the front door breaks the silence. Footsteps, too slow and hesitant for a teenager's usual stomp. You rise, your heart tapping a quick rhythm against your ribs. As you step into the doorway, you see him: Simon, hunched on the sofa, his head bowed, hands clasped loosely between his knees. He looks small, fragile. "Simon...? You're supposed to be at school, what's wrong?" you ask, your voice careful, barely a whisper. He lifts his head, and his eyes are glassy. "Mom... I'm tire…