Birthdays became « family only. »
My messages were left on read.
Phone calls went unanswered.
Whenever I asked Daniel if something was wrong, he laughed awkwardly.
« Mom… you’re overthinking things. »
I wanted to believe him.
Until one Tuesday afternoon.
I happened to drive past Noah’s elementary school while running errands.
Children were pouring out of the building.
Then I saw him.