Chapter 14 - THE BOY WHO STOPPED SCREAMING
Ethan turned fourteen on a bright spring afternoon.
His birthday party took place in a small garden behind Roman's new home.
There were friends from school.
A basketball hoop.
Music.
Pizza.
And a chocolate cake.
Maya helped decorate.
Sofia brought homemade cookies.
Roman attempted to assemble a folding table and failed spectacularly.
Ethan laughed.
"Dad, you're terrible at that."
Roman grinned.
"I run companies."
"That doesn't mean you can build furniture."
Maya laughed.
"He's got a point."
Later, Ethan found Maya sitting beneath a tree.
He approached.
"Can I ask you something?"
She smiled.
"Of course."
"Do you remember the restaurant?"
Maya nodded.
"Very clearly."
He looked down.
"I was scared."
"I know."
He swallowed.
"I thought Mom was going to disappear again."
Maya reached for his hand.
"But she didn't."
He nodded.
Ethan looked at her.
"Why did you help me?"
Maya smiled.
"Because you needed help."
He shook his head.
"Everybody else thought I was being bad."
She looked at him.
"You weren't being bad. You were frightened."
His eyes filled.
He nodded.
Then Ethan whispered:
"I want to help kids like me when I grow up."
Maya smiled.
"That's a wonderful idea."
He looked toward his parents.
"They listen now."
Maya followed his gaze.
Roman and Sofia were talking beside the cake table.
They looked relaxed.
Comfortable.
Happy in a different way.
Ethan smiled.
"I think we're okay."
May you like
Maya squeezed his hand.
"I think so too."
