THREE

FIONA

“Fiona, did you forget to file the witness statements for the Delaney case?”

My stomach dropped so fast it almost hurt.

I had.

“I’m so sorry, Luna. I meant to do it yesterday, but depositions ran late and it just— I’ll do it now.”

She gave me the look that meant fix it before Mr. Hale notices and walked off.

We were one clerk short and drowning in trial prep. I’d been living off caffeine, bagels, and pure anxiety. My brain felt like static as I disappeared into the file room and started sorting, stamping and  organizing.

Robert Delaney’s name glared up at me from every document. Rich and  Powerful. Accused of white-collar crime that could bury smaller men. Cases like this sucked the air out of the office. Everyone walked faster. Talked sharper. Slept less.

I worked without stopping.

When I finally checked my phone, my heart stopped.

5:02 PM.

Ten missed calls.

From Reagent premier school.

My blood ran cold.

Flavian.

I was supposed to pick him up.

I shoved the files into their folders and rushed out, barely remembering to grab my bag. Desiree  my neighbour couldn’t help today since she has a doctor’s appointment. I had promised myself I wouldn’t mess this up.

I flew to my car, mind racing faster than the engine.

Every red light felt personal. Every slow driver an enemy. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tight my fingers ached.

Please still be there. Please don’t let him think I forgot him.

When I pulled into the school compound, my breath left me in a rush.

He was there.

Sitting alone on a bench.

Small. Patient. Swinging his legs.

Waiting.

I didn’t even park properly. I ran to him and dropped to my knees, pulling him into me.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I’m so, so sorry.”

He hugged me back like nothing was wrong. “It’s okay, Mommy. I did my homework while I waited.”

That broke me more than if he’d cried.

I kissed his hair, his cheeks, his forehead. “You did? That’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

I forced my voice steady. “How about banana split sundaes for dinner?”

His face lit up instantly. “Yes!”

Relief bubbled out of me in a shaky laugh.

Then my body went still.

That feeling.

Someone watching.

I turned.

And my relief evaporated.

Him.

FLAVIAN

The board approved my proposal unanimously. As expected.

The principL and a few PTA members walked beside me as we exited, discussing funding and timelines, but my attention snagged on something across the courtyard.

A child. Alone on a bench.

School had ended over an hour ago.

“Why is that child still here?” I asked.

The teacher sighed. “His mother’s late. We’ve called several times.”

I didn’t think. I walked toward him.

He looked up and smiled like he recognized me. “You’re the guy from the cafe the other day.”

I almost laughed.

“My name is Flavian.”

His eyes widened. “Mine too! he said excitedly

Something tightened in my chest.

We talked. He was polite. Independent and mature for his age and too understanding when he mentioned his mother working late all week.

I knew that tone. That quiet acceptance of being second to survival.

“Have you eaten?”

“Mom says no food from strangers.”

“We’re not strangers anymore though, were friends now.”

He grinned.

I walked back to my car, jaw tight.

I’d seen this story before. Loving parent. No time. Child learning not to need too much.

People always think love is enough.

It isn’t.

Before I could stop myself, I took out my phone.

“I’d like to file a report of possible child neglect.”