The Brother Who Finally Said No
Chapter 10 - The Brother Who Finally Said No
Robert tried to stop Ethan from returning to school.
Not directly.
He simply kept finding reasons why Ethan was needed at home.
Bills.
Appointments.
Paperwork.
Meetings with creditors.
Finally Ethan said, “No.”
Robert stared at him.
It was the first time Ethan had ever refused him without explanation.
“I’m going back to school.”
Robert began listing everything that could go wrong.
Ethan listened.
Then he said, “Dad, your fear already cost Mom’s necklace, Emma’s trust, and my degree.”
Robert flinched.
“I won’t let it cost me the rest of my life.”
Emma stood beside her brother.
Robert looked between his children.
For a painful moment, Emma expected another explosion.
Instead, Robert sat down.
“Go,” he said quietly.
Ethan blinked.
Robert’s voice broke.
“Please go before I become another reason you regret staying.”
Ethan crossed the room and hugged him.
May you like
Robert resisted for half a second.
Then he held his son like a man who finally understood that letting someone leave was not the same as losing them.
