That was when I understood something important.
People who minimize harm are often not confused about what happened.
They are uncomfortable admitting who caused it.
I carried Lucas through the house.
Past the food.
Past the decorations.
Past the picture-perfect version of our family my mother wanted everyone to see.
At the front door, she grabbed my arm.
“Virgil, please. We’re family.”
I looked back toward Derek.
“Family protects children,” I said.
“It doesn’t break them to prove a point.”
Then I left.
The next day, I ignored every call.
My phone kept lighting up.
My father.
My mother.
Derek.
Relatives who suddenly wanted to discuss peace instead of what caused the problem.
By noon, I took Lucas to a small toy store.
He walked through the aisles quietly.
Then he found a panda.
He held it for a long time.
“Can I get this one?” he asked.
