Parents.. with different treatment

Rebuild?

The next few days were painfully quiet. Xander had retreated into himself, keeping his distance from Colby whenever possible. He no longer looked to his dad with those hopeful eyes, and he barely spoke in his presence. When Colby tried to engage him, Xander would simply nod or murmur a one-word answer, then disappear to his room or stay close to Valerie, his safe space.

Valerie's heart broke for Xander, seeing the spark he'd recently shown disappear. She was torn between her love for Colby and her fierce protectiveness over their son. She'd seen Colby trying to change, but each time he made a little progress, he seemed to fall back into old habits. And now, after such a crushing disappointment, Xander was left to piece himself back together alone.

One evening, Sam decided he couldn't stay silent anymore. He found Colby in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, looking more defeated than ever.

"Colby," Sam began, his tone firm but calm. "We need to talk. About Xander."

Colby looked up, guilt written all over his face. "I know, Sam. I messed up. I don't need a lecture about it."

"This isn't about a lecture," Sam said, crossing his arms. "This is about Xander's future. He's only six, Colby, but he's learning things no kid his age should have to learn. He's learning that the people he trusts can't be counted on. That he's not important enough."

Colby winced at Sam's words, pain flickering in his eyes. "I never meant for him to feel that way," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

"I know," Sam replied, his voice softening. "But that doesn't change the fact that he does feel that way. And, honestly, I don't know if an apology is enough this time."

Colby looked away, gripping the counter until his knuckles turned white. "I don't know what to do, Sam. I keep trying, but I just... I don't know how to make it right."

Sam sighed, choosing his words carefully. "Then maybe it's time you got help, Colby. Real help. You don't have to figure this out alone. Therapy, counseling — something that can help you understand what's getting in the way. You're carrying a lot of anger, and Xander's paying the price."

Colby bristled at the suggestion, but deep down, he knew Sam was right. The anger he felt — the impatience, the frustration — had become a part of him, and he was terrified of facing it. But as he stood there, the image of Xander's tear-streaked face and those broken words replayed in his mind. You don't care.

He took a shaky breath, nodding slowly. "Alright," he whispered, his voice filled with resolve. "I'll... I'll look into it. For Xander."

Sam placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're doing the right thing. Xander deserves to know that he matters, Colby. And he deserves a dad who can be there for him, without all the walls."

That weekend, Colby reached out to a therapist, setting up his first appointment. It was a step that felt both terrifying and freeing. As he began the process, he slowly opened up about his struggles — the insecurities and fears he'd never voiced, not even to Sam or Valerie. His past, his self-doubt, and the relentless pressure he placed on himself — all of it came spilling out as he began to understand how much of his pain had unknowingly spilled over onto his family.

Meanwhile, Xander remained distant. Valerie tried to console him, reminding him that his dad was trying, but Xander had been hurt too many times. He'd built walls of his own, learning to protect himself from disappointment.

But one night, after a particularly long session with his therapist, Colby walked into Xander's room. Xander looked up, startled, but quickly went back to his toys, pretending to ignore him. Colby knelt beside him, his voice soft and steady.

"Xander," he said gently, "I know I've broken a lot of promises. And I know that hurts. I'm so sorry, buddy. I'm trying to fix things... I'm trying to fix myself."

Xander didn't respond, but he didn't leave, either. Colby took that as a small victory and continued.

"I've been seeing someone who's helping me understand my feelings," he said, keeping his tone calm. "And I'm learning that... a lot of the things I've done weren't fair to you. You deserve so much better."

Xander's eyes softened, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. "Really?"

"Yeah," Colby whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You're such an amazing kid, Xander. You deserve a dad who shows up for you, who keeps his promises. And I'm going to do everything I can to be that dad. I know it'll take time, and I know I have to earn your trust back. But... I'm not giving up."

Xander looked at him, his expression still hesitant, but there was a small spark of hope — one that Colby held onto.

"Okay," Xander said softly, almost as if testing the word. He wasn't ready to trust again, not yet, but he was willing to wait and see if things could be different.

And for Colby, that small glimmer of hope was enough to keep him going. He knew the road ahead would be long, but he was ready to walk it, one step at a time, with his son in his heart every step of the way.