𝑆 𝑇 𝑈 𝐶 𝐾

𝑝 𝑒 𝑎 𝑐 𝑒

SILAS STOOD IN the kitchen, the morning sun streaming through the windows of his apartment, casting a warm glow on the scene. He flipped a pancake with a practiced flick of his wrist, watching it land perfectly back in the pan.

The smell of sizzling batter filled the air, mingling with the sound of Anthony's laughter as he sat at the table, eagerly waiting for breakfast.

For the first time in a long time, Silas felt a profound sense of peace.

The constant, gnawing stress and anxiety that once clung to him like a shadow had dissipated. His breathing, which had been shallow and labored for weeks, now came easily and naturally.

Each inhale was a reminder of the freedom he had found, and each exhale released remnants of the pain that once weighed him down.

Silas marveled at how he had regained control over his life. The problems that once seemed insurmountable now felt distant and insignificant, like a bad dream fading with the morning light.

Silas realized he could genuinely say that he felt good. Not just okay, but truly good.

It was a feeling that resonated deep within him, a warmth that spread from his heart to every corner of his being.

"Yo! Earth to Silas!" Anthony's voice called out, breaking Silas out of his thoughts. "You're gonna burn the pancakes! Does it look like I want burnt pancakes?"

"Shit." Silas cursed as he quickly flipped the two pancakes, sighing at the sight of them being completely black and burnt.

Turning off the stove, he glanced over at Anthony, who tried to stifle his laughter. But as soon as their gazes connected, the two brothers burst out laughing.

Silas couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude as he laughed and jokingly started play-fighting with Anthony.

He was genuinely thankful that Daniel and Amanda had let Anthony stay in his care. It hadn't been easy; sitting down and talking with his parents was awkward, to say the least.

But in the end, it gave them all a sense of understanding, clarity, and closure. It was a well-needed talk, and Silas was glad he had put his pride aside to actually talk to them.

"Can we start?" Daniel questioned, sitting in front of his eldest son, who nervously bit the inside of his cheek, looking between his mother and father.

He had planned so much of what he wanted to say, but as soon as he sat in front of them, he fell speechless.

But it was for the best.

Silas knew if he remembered what he wanted to say, all his words would come out of anger, and that's the last thing he wanted. He didn't want to be angry anymore. He's been angry all his life.

It was tiring.

"Mhm." Silas could only hum in response, giving them a nod, trying to gather himself and his thoughts.

"We have no right to be called your parents." Daniel began, his hand clutching onto Amanda's as he spoke. His words already shocking Silas. "Not at all. That right went away as soon as we stopped giving you the love that you deserved. A parent should never turn their back on their child, but...that's exactly what we did. To you and to Anthony."

Silence filled the air, and Silas didn't know how to respond. His father owning up to his mistakes was something he never thought he would witness.

"We abandoned you. We weren't there when you needed us the most. I—we made you grow up so fast. You had to take care of Anthony all on your own because we couldn't do our job as parents to love and protect you both." Amanda's voice trembled as she softly spoke to her son. "You're my baby boy. There is nothing that I can truly say that could ever express how truly sorry I am. I failed as a mother. I know. But I want to make up for every moment."