“Can’t we just go back to when it was just us?” Michael asked, his voice muffled against Richard’s shoulder. “Before Vanessa?”

Richard’s heart ached, hearing his son’s plea. He remembered those days, just the three of them, navigating life after their mother’s passing. It had been hard, but they had found a rhythm, a sense of peace. Bringing Vanessa into their lives was supposed to enhance that peace, not shatter it.

“Things might change,” Richard admitted, his voice gentle. “But no matter what happens, we’ll face it together. You two are my priority, always.”