The cop opened his mouth, then shut it. I balled my hands into fists. “Where is my son?” The windows were scoured by headlights. A second police cruiser arrived at the scene. I felt pressure in my ears when the place fell silent so quickly. The cruiser came to a halt. One of the doors opened. Steps. Then Grant entered. wearing a police uniform. He had a badge on his chest. Jason said, “No way.””What are you wearing?” In a whisper, Sarah said, “Grant.” Eliza let out a broken, quiet squeak. Caleb merely gazed.

As though he were entering a hurricane, Grant raised both of his hands. “All right. Prior to someone killing me. Mom, happy birthday.

At last, my mouth functioned.I insisted, “What are you wearing?”Are you insane? He took a swallow. “A uniform.” Mark gasped, “You’re a cop.”Yes.

Sarah lost it. “Are you feeling insane? She believed you were deceased. Grant winced. His eyes suddenly met mine. “I apologize, Mom. I didn’t consider it.The only person who did not was you.”I said it again, “You didn’t think,” and it sounded like a slap. With a look of embarrassment, he nodded. “I assumed the scare would be brief. Then surprise. I had no idea you were spending hours at home.Yes, I was. The table was where I was seated. Like a falling weight, that landed. Mark cast a downward glance. Eliza began sobbing in private.I didn’t want anyone to think I was going to fail, so I kept the academy a secret from you.”

I laughed bitterly. “And you thought I would.”I did not want you to become like your dad.”No,” he said quickly. “You’re the only one who didn’t.”

He took a deep swallow. “You used to tell me I could be anything if I’d stop acting like I didn’t care.” My throat ached. “I told you that because I didn’t want you to end up like your father.” The atmosphere shifted. Grant’s eyes grew wide. As though he had been carrying that sentence for years, he nodded. He took another stride and said, “I know.” “I wanted to show you I’m not him.” I extended my hand to touch the badge.

Then all of the confidence left him as his voice faltered.I wanted you to feel pleased with me. His badge caught my attention. The light caught it. Actual. Firm. My rage did not go away. However, it broke.

I extended my hand to touch the badge. “You did this.” Grant’s mouth quivered. “Yeah.” I blinked vigorously. “You scared me half to death.”Mom. I apologize.””I understand,” he muttered. “I apologize. I sincerely apologize. Still, the tears came. since my worst child had done something admirable. because my toughest child had made an effort.My voice trembled as I said, “I thought you were gone.” Grant’s expression twisted. He intervened and gave me a cautious, then firm, hug.He spoke into my hair, “I’m here.” “I’m here.” Sarah’s voice grew softer behind us. “Mom. I apologize.”Our goal was perfection. Mark’s voice broke. “We all are.” Jason cleared his throat. “Yes. We made a mistake.

Eliza gave me a side embrace as if she were a child again. “We wanted it to be perfect.”I wiped my cheeks and said, “There’s no such thing as perfect.” “There’s just showing up.” Grant withdrew and met my gaze. “No more vanishing. Not me. Never again. I looked at his face. The same child. A different amount of weight behind his gaze.Leave before I yell once more.””Good,” I replied. “Because I can’t take another night like this.” He gave a nod. “You won’t.” Near the door, the cop cleared his throat. “Madam. My name is Nate. I apologize for the anxiety. Grant came up with this concept. Without looking, Sarah gestured to him. “Go before I start yelling again.” Nate nodded briefly and vanished. The room let out a breath.