Chapter 64 - The Day Julian Heard His Son’s Name
Julian was proud.
He tried not to show it.
That was another thing that had changed.
When Leo came home for Thanksgiving, Julian cooked breakfast.
It was terrible.
The pancakes were burnt.
Leo stared at his plate.
“You used to be better at this.”
Julian frowned.
“I've improved in other areas.”
I laughed.
“You certainly have.”
After breakfast, Leo told us about his promotion.
Julian listened carefully.
Then he asked one question.
“Did you have to compromise anything to get it?”
“No.”
Julian nodded.
“Good.”
Leo looked at him.
“That's all?”
“What else should I say?”
“I don't know.”
Julian smiled.
“I'm proud of you.”
Leo looked down.
The room became quiet.
Years ago, those words might have been easy.
Now they carried weight.
Because Julian knew pride wasn't enough.
He had once been proud of success while hiding the truth that made that success dangerous.
Now he was proud of his son for doing something that could have cost him success.
That was different.
Later that afternoon, Leo and Julian walked outside.
I watched them through the window.
They weren't talking like best friends.
They weren't pretending the past didn't exist.
They were simply father and son.
Two people still learning each other.
When Julian returned, he found me in the kitchen.
“He's becoming a good man,” he said.
I smiled.
“He always was.”
Julian looked down.
“I don't think I deserve to hear that.”
“Then don't turn it into a question of deserving.”
He looked at me.
“Just be his father.”
He nodded.
“I can do that.”
I believed him.
Not because of what he promised.
May you like
Because of what he had already done.
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