Miguel's face crumpled. When he spoke, his voice was wobbly in that way kids have when they're trying not to cry. "You forgot."
It wasn't a question.
Elena reached for him, her hand outstretched in a helpless gesture. "I’m so sorry, mijo. With the deadline, I just... I didn't..."
Miguel took a step back. "You might as well be in Boston."
Finn’s heart broke. Again. Of course, Miguel was referencing his father. The man who had left them for a new life across the country. Elena's face transformed through each emotion. Shock, then understanding, then painful acceptance.
"Miguel, no, I'm not..." but she couldn’t finish the sentence.
The silence stretched. Finn knew he should look away and give them privacy, but he found himself unable to look away. Elena closed her laptop without taking the time to close anything she was working on. Then she stood and approached Miguel. He was staring at the floor.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, pulling him into a fierce hug. "I'm so, so sorry."
For a moment, Miguel resisted, his body stiff in her embrace. Then he collapsed against her, his arms wrapping around her waist, his face pressed into her shoulder. Finn saw the tear track down Elena's cheek as she held her son, whispering something into his hair.
The scene before him blurred, and Finn realized that his own eyes had grown damp.
Elena was wiping Miguel's cheeks with her thumbs, looking directly into his eyes. Miguel looked younger, vulnerable in a way that made Finn's heart ache.
"I'm sorry," Elena said again, loud enough now that Finn could hear. "I've been... I haven't been present. That changes right now."
Miguel nodded, his expression cautious.
"Let's get out of here," Elena said. "We'll grab dinner wherever you want, and then we'll work on your project together."
Miguel's face brightened slightly. "Really? Even though it's late?"
"Especially because it's late," Elena confirmed. She moved to her desk, already gathering her things with none of her usual methodical organization.
"Where do you want to eat?" She asked, turning back to Miguel as she zipped her bag.
"Pizza?" he suggested. "The place with the garlic knots?"
"Perfect," Elena agreed, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "And after dinner, we'll work on that science project."
"It's not just some science project," Miguel corrected with the first hint of his usual spirit. "It's an electromagnetic field generator. And for the record, you’re pretty lucky that I am allowing you to help. This thing, mom, it might just be…revolutionary."
Elena laughed. "I’m sure it will be, mijo."
"Can Finn come too?"
Miguel's question caught him off guard. He looked up to find both of them watching him. There was still work to do. And Elena needed this evening with Miguel without feeling guilty about leaving.
The moment stretched between them. Miguel glanced from one adult to the other, picking up on the tension but not understanding its source.
"Rain check for another time?" Finn said, managing a small smile for Miguel. "You two need some mother-son time. Plus, someone's got to hold down the fort here." He gestured at the data waiting on his screen, trying to make the decision sound casual.
Miguel shrugged. "Okay. But next time you're coming and we’re getting past level 8."
"Next time," Finn agreed, the words feeling like a promise he wasn't sure he could keep.
Elena's eyes held his for a moment longer. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Go," he said, nodding toward the door. "Your electromagnetic field generator awaits."
Elena smiled, a small private thing meant only for Finn. Then she turned and followed her son, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder as they walked out together.
