amaranthine • joshler

• into a place, where thoughts can bloom •

The next day, Tyler gathered the courage to go home. He didn't want to see his dad. Ever, ever again. But he missed his mother and his siblings. He left his bag and all of his stuff at the Duns, he just needed to go home for a little bit.

When Tyler reached his door, he hesitated before knocking. What if his dad was still in there? What would he say?

Tyler put his trepidation aside and rapped his knuckles on the darkened wood once, twice, three times.

To his surprise, his mother opened the door.

"Tyler! Thank God." His mom breathed, and she pulled Tyler into a tight hug. Tyler melted into her embrace, overjoyed to see his mother.

"Hi mom. I stayed with Jo- I mean the Duns last night. Dad kicked me out." He revealed sheepishly.

"I know, darling. But don't worry, he's gone. I got home and he explained everything, so I kicked him out. He shouldn't be like that. I've suspected the abuse for a while now, but last night confirmed it."

Tyler looked down at his feet. "D-did he tell you why?"

"Yes, my darling, why didn't you tell me? You know that I would love you no matter what. If you're happy, I'm happy."

Tyler was ecstatic at his mother's acceptance. "That's amazing, mom! There's this boy..."

And so for the next hour or two, Tyler rambled on to his mom about Josh, with love in his eyes and his words. Tyler's mother couldn't be happier for her son. The Duns and the Josephs had been close families, and Mrs. Joseph knew Josh well. He was a great boy, and the perfect one for Tyler.

"I'm so happy for you, my darling. I can arrange a dinner with the Duns tomorrow night and we can all talk about this together. How does that sound?"

"That sounds perfect, mom. I'm gonna head over there real quick to get my stuff and I'll tell them about the dinner. I love you, Mom. Really."

Tyler ran to the Duns, almost skipping, and told Josh the news. Josh pulled him into abbie hug and spun him around.

"That's great, Ty! Now we can be together."

"Who can be together?" Mama Dun asked, coming into the living room. She saw Tyler in Josh's arms and let out a slight "aww."

Josh set Tyler down and addressed his mother. "Mom, Tyler and I are... well, I don't know what we are yet, but we'll see. Tomorrow night can the whole family go over to the Joseph's for dinner? Please-y please?" Josh begged.

"Of course, dear. I'm happy to see you happy. So I take it you're no longer staying with us Tyler?"

"No ma'am. But thank you so much for letting me stay." Tyler gave Mama Dun a big hug. He then went home, excited for the next night to come.