No one other than Jason himself delivered the invitation to Michael on a Tuesday morning. With hope in his eyes and a paper in his hand, the boy had arrived at Michael's office with Lucas's driver.
Jason attempted, but failed, to sound informal as he stated, "This Friday is my science fair." "We're presenting in groups. However, mine is distinct. I'm working alone.
Looking down at the hand-drawn rocket next to Jason's name, Michael picked up the crumpled flyer. "Do you want me to attend?"
Jason gave a nod. "If time is not a constraint."
With a thumping heart, Michael knelt down to meet him eye-level. "I'll be there."
The school auditorium was crowded with teachers, parents, and students. The smell of baked goods from the fundraising table near the entrance, nervous energy, and poster paint filled the air.
Lorna got there right before the fair started. Her hair was pinned back with a hint of lipstick, and she was dressed in soft beige pants and a pale blue blouse. Michael was standing by himself near the back, looking around the room, and she wasn't expecting him to be there already.
They looked at each other.
She paused.
then approached.
"Hello," she said.
"Hey," he said, his eyes warm but unsure, his voice a little lower than usual.
From the far side of the auditorium, where his imposing rocket display was surrounded by a homemade solar panel and a model volcano, Jason saw them and waved excitedly.
Lorna stated, "The front row is where we are supposed to sit." "Parents' section."
Michael gave a nod. "Take the lead."
They sat next to each other.
Near enough for the memories to whisper between them.
Enough so that the quiet feels secure.
Students presented their projects one by one. Parents gave a courteous clap. Teachers smiled. Lorna occasionally glanced at Michael, who appeared completely enthralled—not by the science, but by the boy who stood nervously proudly in front of his project.
Jason took a deep breath, looked at both of his parents, and stepped to the microphone when it was his turn.
"Flight Beyond Limits is the name of my project," he said. "It's about how rockets function, but it's also about how people can rise above all obstacles."
Lorna's throat constricted.
Michael's shoulders were rigid as he blinked quickly.
For a boy his age, Jason's explanation of aerodynamics was surprisingly clear as he pointed to his diagrams. However, his final remarks were what brought the room to a halt.
"I worked alone on this project, but I didn't feel isolated. because both of my parents have faith in me. And I know they both love me despite the fact that things aren't perfect. And that is sufficient to sustain me.
He gave them a direct look.
Lorna grabbed a piece of tissue.
Grasping the edge of his seat, Michael cleared his throat.
Though thunderous, the applause hardly registered.
Because between them, in that instant, there was undeniable love—messy, complicated, and true.
Jason proudly held his participation certificate as he ran toward them after the event. Lorna blinked back tears as she gave him a tight hug.
Michael lowered himself eye level. "You were incredible."
Jason gave a shy smile. "I appreciate you coming."
Michael's hair ruffled. "I would not have overlooked it."
For a moment, the three of them formed a peaceful triangle of warmth, resembling a broken but intact family.
Lorna gave Michael a look. "Do you want to come to supper with us?"
He paused.
then gave a nod. Indeed. That would be nice.
As though even the heavens were preparing for a fresh start, the sky outside was changing from blue to amber.