Zain’s dad sighed, rubbing his face like he needed a second to think. The room felt super tense, but Zain didn’t look away. He was already in it—there was no backing out now.
Finally, his dad dropped his hand. “Well,” he said, his voice kinda stiff, “I guess that’s that.”
Zain’s mom kept her hand on his shoulder like she knew he was holding his breath. “It’s not the end of the world,” she said, trying to keep things calm, like always.
His dad looked at her, then back at Zain. “I just… need some air.” He stood up, and without another word, headed for the door.
Zain watched him step outside, the door shutting softly behind him. It wasn’t a slam, which he guessed was a good sign.
Ella’s mom stood up, adjusting her bag awkwardly. “I think we’ll get going,” she said, glancing at Ella.
Ella gave Zain a small smile—like the “we’re cool” kind—and followed her mom to the door.
When they left, it was just him and his mom. The house felt quieter, but in a better way.
“I’m proud of you,” his mom said, brushing her fingers through his hair for like half a second.
Zain let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “I thought Dad was gonna freak out.”
“He’s trying,” she said. “Give him time.”
Zain sank onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. “I didn’t think I was actually gonna say it tonight.”
His mom smiled a little. “Sometimes you just have to.”
He laughed, still feeling shaky. “Yeah. Guess so.”
His phone buzzed, and he dug it out of his pocket. Theo’s name lit up the screen.
Theo: You okay?
Zain smiled, typing back.
Zain: Yeah. I told them.
Theo texted right away.
Theo: Proud of you.
Zain felt his heart calm down a little. For the first time all night, he didn’t feel like he was on his own.
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