When Caleb came home smiling, sweets in hand from my sister, I thought nothing was wrong—until his teacher called, asking why he was absent again. My heart stopped: if my son wasn’t at school, where had he been, and why was my sister keeping secrets from me?
It was a calm evening, and the golden light of the setting sun spread across the kitchen like melted butter.
I stood at the counter, drying dishes, when the front door opened and Caleb stepped inside with a wide, beaming smile.
His cheeks were flushed pink from the breeze, his eyes bright and innocent.
Right behind him came my younger sister, Abby, her arms crossed loosely, her smile just as familiar as it had been when we were girls sneaking cookies before dinner.
“I saw Caleb walking home,” she said, voice sweet and smooth.
“Thought I’d give him a ride.”
Caleb held up a handful of chocolates like a prize.
The wrappers crinkled loudly as he shook them with pride.
I gave a small sigh, wiping my hands on a dish towel.
Abby just laughed, light as always.
“Oh, Anna. Look at that smile. I mean, come on—how could I say no?”
“Thanks, Aunt Abby!” Caleb said, giving her a quick hug before darting toward his room.
I couldn’t help smiling a little.Continue reading…
