Tears And Laughter
The room seemed to tilt as a few guests let out awkward chuckles, mistaking Helen’s blatant cruelty for some kind of twisted joke. I felt rooted to the spot, shock morphing into a hot sting of tears that blurred my vision. Every laugh echoed around me like an accusation, amplifying the humiliation swelling in my chest. Then, through the haze, I felt Alex’s small hand slip into mine—warm, steady, and grounding—pulling me back from the edge of collapsing under the weight of it all.
Tears And Laughter
Alex’s Protective Gesture
Through the rising tide of laughter and whispers, Alex rushed to my side without hesitation, placing his small but determined body between me and the crowd as if he could shield me from every cruel word. “Don’t listen to them, Mom,” he whispered, squeezing my hand with a ferocity far beyond his years. His innocent courage softened the jagged moment, offering a glimmer of solace. Jake quickly joined us, the anger blazing in his eyes showing just how deeply he felt the sting of what Helen had done.
Alex’s Protective Gesture
