He sat with his wife’s photo, waiting for a son who had already boarded without him

— It’s over for him, — she said softly.

I nodded.

— It should be.

— Are you… Are you thinking about returning? — she asked carefully.

— No, — I said without hesitation.

Her shoulders relaxed in relief, not disappointment.

— Good. You were never meant to be hidden away there.

A chime interrupted us. Another message from Adrian.

I’d like you to stop by this continue reading …