“Why are you crying, buddy?” “I’m scared,” he says. “You can talk to me, James.” “I don’t want you to leave,” he admits, as more tears form in his eyes. “I—” I pause to gather my words. “James, who said I was going anywhere? I’m not going anywhere, buddy.” “My mom,” he says through sniffles. “She left.” “Oh James,” I sigh as I pull him into my embrace for a hug.
