I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm in front of Leo. It was crucial that he felt safe and protected at that moment. “You’re okay now, buddy,” I said softly, trying to inject as much reassurance into my voice as possible. “I’m here. No one is going to hurt you.”
His small hand clutched mine with a strength that belied his age. I stood up, motioning for the nurse to keep an eye on him. She nodded, her face a mask of professionalism, but her eyes gave away her silent support.
As I walked out of the school, my mind raced through the possibilities. I felt a familiar sensation, a cold determination that had been dormant for years. My past was something I had buried deeply, something I had distanced myself from for the sake of my family. But now, it seemed, the past was about to become relevant again.
The drive home was a blur of adrenaline and calculated thoughts. I needed to think strategically. Confrontation wasn’t something I shied away from, but I knew I needed to handle this delicately for Leo’s sake. Despite the anger simmering beneath my skin, I had to ensure his well-being came first.
When I arrived at our house, I took a moment to survey the scene. The driveway was empty, a deceptive calm surrounding the house. I knew better than to barge in unprepared, so I walked around to the back, approaching the window Leo had mentioned.
Peering inside, I saw them—my wife and Steve, seemingly oblivious to the chaos they had caused. They were seated at the kitchen table, a casual intimacy between them that stoked the fire within me. My brother, looking too comfortable in a home that wasn’t his, and my wife, her face a mixture of guilt and defiance.
I pushed open the back door slowly, and they looked up, eyes wide with shock and a hint of fear. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” My voice was low, controlled, but the edge was unmistakable.
Steve stood up, his bravado faltering. “It’s not what you think,” he started, but I held up a hand to silence him.
“Save it,” I replied, stepping further into the room. “Leo is at school, terrified because of you. You put your hands on my son, Steve. Do you have any idea what that means?”
My wife’s eyes filled with tears, but I couldn’t focus on her now. My attention was squarely on Steve, who was visibly shaken. “I didn’t mean to hurt him,” he stammered. “He just—”
“Enough.” My voice cut through the air like a blade. “You have two choices. You leave now and never come back, or I call the police. Either way, you’re done here.”
He hesitated, looking at my wife for support, but she turned away, unable or unwilling to meet his gaze. He gathered his things, his facade crumbling as he shuffled towards the door.
I watched him leave, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving an oppressive silence in his wake. My wife and I stood there, the weight of our broken trust hanging heavily between us. There would be time to address that, but not now.
I turned and left the house, my mind focused on Leo. He was safe, and that was my priority. Everything else would have to wait.
