I wrapped my arms around my son.
He hugged me back just as tightly.
“I am so sorry,” I whispered.
“I should have protected you.”
He rested his forehead against mine.
“I know.”
“No.”
Fresh tears filled my eyes.
“I need you to hear this.”
I took a deep breath.
“I failed you.”
He gently shook his head.
“You were lied to.”
“I still should have seen it.”
He was quiet for a moment.
Then he smiled.
“We both believed someone who didn’t deserve our trust.”
I nodded.
“That won’t happen again.”
He looked around the living room.
“It feels different.”
“It is.”
I reached for his hand.
“This has always been your home.”
His eyes filled with tears again.
“I wasn’t sure.”
I squeezed his hand.
“You never lost your home.”
He smiled.
“I know.”
