Tristan didn't want to speak to anyone. He had locked himself in his room after the argument, his chest tight, his thoughts spiraling in directions he didn't know how to control.
But the moment Franklin stepped inside, all of that restraint shattered. Tristan rushed forward and buried his face in Franklin's chest, breaking down completely, his sobs raw and unfiltered.
Franklin didn't push him away. He didn't rush him either. He wrapped his arms around his son and simply held him, steady and patient, allowing the storm to pass through him first.
Only when Tristan's crying eased into quiet sniffles did Franklin speak, his voice low and calm.
"What happened?" he asked gently. Then, just as softly, "You shouldn't have spoken to your mom like that."
Tristan's lips trembled as h
