As they drove slowly through the tree-lined streets following a peaceful weekend visit, Michael hadn't anticipated the question—certainly not from Jason's tiny voice in the back seat of his car.
"Dad?" Jason inquired, using the word more casually now. Every time, it still made Michael shudder.
"Yes, son?"
After staring out the window for a moment, Jason turned to look at him. "May I occasionally stay with you if Mommy and Lucas no longer live together?"
For a moment, Michael's grip tightened around the steering wheel. With a gentle yet resounding thud, the question struck his chest. "Did your mother say it was okay?"
Jason lowered his eyes and said, "No." "But I'd like to."
Michael put the car in park after pulling into a lot close to the lake. He looked at his son, trying to read his face. Jason didn't look like the energetic youngster he once was; instead, he appeared to be carrying too much weight for his age.
"Hey," Michael murmured. "I would love that, you know. However, relationships between adults can be complex at times. I don't want to cause your mother any more hardship."
Jason gave a nod but remained silent. His little shoulders hunched as he gazed out at the water.
Squeezing his hand, Michael extended his arm. However, I'll speak with her, shall we? Additionally, if she consents, we will work things out.
Michael noticed a slight smile on Jason's face and a flicker of relief in his son's eyes.
Michael's voice was erratic when he told Henry about the incident later that night.
He said, "He wants to stay with me, Henry." "Under no duress, without being informed. He came up with the idea on his own.
Henry nodded, his face displaying a mixture of pride and worry. Michael, it sounds like a door opening. Just be cautious. Lorna is currently in a precarious situation.
Michael let out a slow breath. "I understand. That's not something I want to exploit. However, I also don't want to pass up this opportunity to be what Jason is requesting and needs.
Michael sensed a change as the darkness enveloped him, a pain gradually giving way to hope. Not all of it was fixed. Not just yet. But he wasn't looking back for the first time in a long time.
He was beginning to anticipate.