My son came home unusually quiet — but when he refused to sit down, I knew something was terribly wrong.

THE DINNER HE WOULDN’T SIT FOR

Back home, the gates slid open smoothly. The lights along the driveway glowed soft and welcoming — details Leo usually noticed.

Tonight he barely looked.

Dinner was ready. Plates were set.

Leo stayed standing.

“You can sit,” Michael said gently.

Leo shook his head.

“I can’t.”

Michael knelt so their eyes were level.

“Leo.”

Tears came instantly.

“It hurts,” he whispered.

That was the moment everything sharpened.