On moving day, Marcus stood on the front porch, watching his mother. Eleanor looked radiant in a soft blue sweater, her hands no longer trembling. Beside her was little Lily, holding a brand-new teddy bear, her eyes wide with wonder at the massive backyard she now had to play in. Marcus had arranged for Lily and her mother to move into a nearby affordable housing complex, ensuring they would never have to worry about a meal again.
Eleanor walked up to Marcus, placing a warm hand on his arm.
“I’m sorry I kept the secret about Thomas for so many years, Marcus,” she murmured. “I was just so ashamed that I couldn’t save him. I didn’t want his darkness to touch your light.”
Marcus wrapped his arms around his mother, holding her close.
“You don’t ever have to apologize to me, Mom,” Marcus said softly. “I thought money could protect you from afar, but I was wrong. Success means nothing if I’m not here to stand straight beside you.”
As the sun began to set over their new home, Marcus knew the wounds of the past six years would take time to heal. But as he looked at his mother’s peaceful smile, he knew he was finally exactly where he belonged.
