Chapter 3: Fractured Foundations

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_Chapter 3: Fractured Foundations_

Ashton walked home from school, lost in thought. Lilith's unexpected help had eased his academic worries, but his mind lingered on his troubled home life.

His parents' constant arguing had become the norm. Last night's explosive fight still echoed in his mind. His mother's tears, his father's slammed door – the familiar sounds of a crumbling marriage.

As he approached his house, Ashton's anxiety spiked. He hesitated outside, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.

The tension was palpable. His mother, Karen, sat in the living room, staring blankly at the TV. His father, Ryan, was nowhere to be seen.

"Hey, Mom," Ashton said softly, dropping his backpack.

Karen's forced smile faltered. "Hey, sweetie. How was your day?"

Ashton shrugged, unsure how to share his concerns. "It was fine."

Karen's eyes welled up with tears. "I'm sorry, Ashton. I'm so sorry we're putting you through this."

Ashton felt a pang of guilt. "It's not your fault, Mom. Dad's just...stressed."

Karen's laughter was laced with bitterness. "Stressed? That's just a nice word for it."

Ashton's phone buzzed, saving him from the awkward conversation. Lilith's text made him smile:

"Hey, just wanted to make sure you understood those math concepts"

Ashton's heart lifted, but his mother's words cut through his brief respite:

"Ashton, you deserve better than this. Better than us."

He felt a lump form in his throat. "Mom, don't say that. You're amazing."

Karen's eyes filled with tears again. "I love you, Ashton. No matter what happens, remember that."

Ashton hugged her tightly, feeling the weight of his family's fractured foundations.

Later that night, Ashton lay in bed, his mind racing. Lilith's kindness and intelligence had given him a glimmer of hope, but his parents' issues loomed like a dark cloud.

He couldn't shake the feeling that his world was on the brink of collapse.

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