His dad flinched, glanced at the caller ID, and sighed. “Just a second, kiddo.” He stepped onto the porch to answer. Jamie waited. And waited. Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen. The ball hung loosely in his hand. Eventually, he turned around and went inside. He never mentioned it. But his dad noticed.
And that’s when the guilt began to bloom — the kind that settled deep and didn’t let go. He knew he couldn’t replace Jamie’s mom. He knew working more hours didn’t make up for being around less. But what else could he do? They needed groceries. Rent. Warm clothes. The truth was: his dad was exhausted.