Support System

Pietro pulled up to the kindergarten just as Skylar emerged from the building, holding Lorenzo’s hand. The young boy’s face lit up when he saw Pietro, and he broke free from his mother’s grip, running to the car with exuberant energy.

“Pietro!” Lorenzo shouted, jumping into the car.

Skylar followed more slowly, her eyes catching Pietro’s. “Hey,” she said softly as she climbed into the passenger seat. She glanced back at Jared, who sat quietly in the back, staring out the window. “Jared, sweetie, how was your day?”

Jared shrugged, his voice barely audible. “It was okay.”

Skylar frowned, her worry deepening. Pietro had texted her that something had happened in Jared’s school. Before she could ask more, Pietro gave her a small, reassuring nod and mouthed, “Later.” Skylar bit her lip and nodded back, deciding to let it go for now.

The drive to Pietro’s house was filled with Lorenzo’s happy chatter, a stark contrast to Jared’s silence. Skylar kept glancing at Jared through the rear-v