Halfway through our walk, Owen pulled away from me. He looked at me with puffed cheeks and said, "Mom, why did you agree with them? I don't want to go jogging at all."
I gave him a concerned look. "But you heard what they said—they're worried that your weight might affect your health."
Owen's expression gradually darkened, and I seized the opportunity to add, "But Owen, don't take their words too seriously. Boys should be big and strong to make girls feel protected. You'll grow up to protect me too, right?"
Owen looked at me thoughtfully before nodding. "You're right, Mom. I won't take their words to heart. You're the only one in this family who truly cares about me."
As we walked and talked, we passed by an arcade, and Owen stopped. "Mom, can we check it out?"
I pretended to look hesitant while inwardly rejoicing. Of course, we would go in. Why else would I have led him this way?
He started tugging at my hand pleadingly. "Please, Mom? Just this once? Pretty please? You're the be
