Zora

"Yes...hmm...thank you for calling me. Yes, you too, have a good day now. Bye-bye." Ending the call, Helen brought her hand up to her mouth, choking back the broken sob escaping her dry lips. Sorrow hit her like a harsh, cold winter wind chill. Despite how little she cared for the man, the sudden loss crept upon her, striking her heart.

"Mom?" Helen turned around from the landline and stared at Terrance. He hated to see his mom cry. Seeing her in such a fragile state, he could hardly keep his composure as he ran to her side. "Mom, what happened?" he cooed as he yanked her into a hug.

"That was my son, Jeremy," she replied. "His father died."

"Oh, mom, I'm so sorry," Terrance cooed, softly rubbing circles into her spine. "How old was he?"

"Forty-two. Died from alcohol poisoning. His alcoholism was why I divorced him in the first place. I always knew this would be how he died," she spat.

"I understand you're upset, but you shouldn't curse his death."

Wrapping her arm around Terrance's shoulders, she hummed as she wiped a tear off her cheek. "You're right. Let him rest in peace." She walked back to the landline and said, "I'm going to the funeral. He only has my family left, and they all stopped talking to Hector after the divorce. I don't want him to mourn alone."

"What about his friends?"

She shook her head. "He doesn't have any. In fact, he gets bullied over there every day."

"Can he move in with us?"

Helen jerked her head over to him, eyes wide. "You're okay with that?"

Terrance nodded. "I've always wanted another person in our family. It has been lonely since dad left. Besides, if he's getting bullied, we should keep him away from the toxic atmosphere and bring him somewhere more accepting."

Dropping the phone, Helen wrapped her arms around Terrance and sniffled. He didn't say a word, as her cries of joy were not something he wanted her to hide. "Oh, thank you, Terrance. I have wanted to reconnect with my son for the longest time now. I'll give him the call now," she excitedly rambled.

As Helen dialed her son's number, Terrance was excited. He was about to have a brother. He couldn't wait.