Part 4

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With Lucy and Theo:
With that, Theo ended the call and set his phone aside, joining his mom in at the dining table for dinner.
As Theo joined his mom, they exchanged a few words about their day, both hesitant to delve into the events that had unfolded at school. Lucy glanced at Theo, concern evident in her eyes.
Lucy- Are you okay, sweetheart?
Theo hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with his fork before finally speaking up.
Theo- I'm... okay, I guess. Sorry about earlier, Mom. I know I shouldn't have gotten involved like that.
Lucy's expression softened, and she reached out to place a reassuring hand on Theo's.
Lucy- Theo, you did everything right. I'm so proud of you for standing up for Josy. You protected her when she needed it most, and I don't know if she would've been able to defend herself. You're a good kid. Never doubt that.
Theo's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude, and he gave his mom a small smile.
Theo- Thanks, Mom. I just... I couldn't let that guy to that to her.
Lucy nodded in understanding, her heart swelling with pride for her son's bravery and compassion.
Once they finished eating, Lucy cleared the dishes while Theo helped tidy up the kitchen.
As the evening wore on, fatigue began to weigh heavily on both Theo and Lucy. They exchanged a few words about plans for the next day and good nights before retreating to their respective rooms.
After a few minutes, Lucy knocked softly on Theo's door and peeked in.
Lucy- Can I come in for a minute?
Theo nodded, sitting up on his bed. Lucy entered and sat down beside him, her expression still concerned.
Lucy- I just wanted to check in with you. Is there anything else you want to talk about? Anything else that happened at school today?
Theo hesitated, then decided to open up.
Theo- Actually, yeah. There was something else. After everything happened, William's friends started saying some stuff. They said things about dad and  Josy's mom and... and you and Tim.
Lucy's face tightened with concern as she listened.
Lucy- What did they say?
Theo took a deep breath, the words coming out reluctantly.
Theo- They said dad doesn't love me because he isn't here. They said the same thing about Josy's mom. And they said you're... they said you're not good enough, that's why Dad isn't with us.
Lucy's heart ached hearing her son repeat such cruel words. She pulled him into a tight hug.
Lucy- Sweatheart, listen to me. What those kids said isn't true. Your dad loved you with his whole heart, and he would have been so proud of you, of the person you've become and the person your gonna be one day. Life isn't always fair, sweetheart. Sometimes, the best people are taken from us too soon. But your dad, he's looking out for you from up there, I'm sure of it.
Theo's eyes filled with tears as he hugged his mom back tightly.
Theo- I miss him, Mom.
Lucy held him close, feeling her own tears welling up.
Lucy- I miss him too. But he left me the best thing he could have— you. Sometimes, I hate how much you're like your father because it hurts so much, constantly being reminded of him. But I also love it, because you have his kindness, his courage, his love and so much more of his qualities. I wouldn't want it any different.
Theo nodded, his voice barely a whisper.
Theo- I wish I could see him, just one more time.
Lucy brushed a tear from Theo's cheek and smiled warmly.
Lucy- Oh, sweetheart, he see you. He sees everything you do, and he's so proud of you. You're growing up to be such an amazing person.
Theo leaned into his mom's embrace, finding comfort in her words.
Theo- Thanks.
Lucy hugged him tighter, silently thanking fate for blessing her with such a wonderful son.
Lucy- Anytime. I love you so much.
Theo nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance and warmth from his mom's embrace.
Theo- I love you too, Mom.
They stayed like that for a while longer, finding solace in each other's presence.
Lucy- How about we have a movie night? You pick the movie, and I'll make the popcorn.
Lucy smiled, seeing the glimmer of happiness return to Theo's eyes. He hesitated, glancing at the clock on the wall.
Theo- I'd love to, Mom, but it's getting late. I have school tomorrow.
Lucy considered this for a moment before a mischievous grin spread across her face.
Lucy- Guess what? You're not going to school tomorrow. You can stay home and relax, or you can come to the station with me.
Theo's eyes widened in surprise and delight.
Theo- Really? No school?
Lucy- Really. It's all set. So, what do you say? Movie night it is?
Theo's smile widened into a grin.
Theo- Movie night sounds awesome!

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