Logan, of course, was eating it all up, wearing a satisfied smile like a man who had just discovered treasure.
By the time the night began to wind down, dessert plates were empty and Adrian’s parents had managed to parade out every embarrassing storythey could remember. Tammi, in particular, seemed delighted to recount every boy who had ever shown interest in Adrian—from classmates to army buddies to a barista who once left his number on a napkin.
To Adrian’s quiet relief, Alon had joined in the jokes, had laughed with them, and—most importantly—his father had made an effort to include him, asking him questions, acknowledging him in a way Adrianknewhadn’t happened often enough before.
And with that, Adrian’s heart eased.
Maybe—just maybe—things would bebetterfor Alon now.
As the evening came to a close, Logan exchanged numbers with Tammi, Aaron, and Alon, promising to keep them updated about Adrian’s treatments.
And then, the moment Adrian had been dreading: thegoodbyes.
Tammi wrapped him in her arms first, hugging him so tightly it almost hurt, holding onto him as if she could keep him from slipping away.
They all said it wasn’t a goodbye.
But itfeltlike it could be.
Adrian buried his face in her shoulder, inhaling the scent of home, of warmth, ofher.
“Love you, Mom,” he whispered, so softly only she could hear. “Thanks for being my mom… even when you didn’t have to.”
Tammi let out a soft, broken sound, clutching him tighter. “Don’t be silly,” she scolded through her tears. “You aremyson.”
She held him for several minutes, unwilling to let go. And when she finally did, her hands lingered on his face, smoothing his hair back like she was committing every detail to memory.
Then came his father.
Aaron didn’t say much—he never had been the type for long, emotional speeches—but when he pulled Adrian into a tight embrace, Adrian felt the tremor in his grip, the way his breath hitched against his shoulder.
His father was crying.
And so Adrian held on, pressing his hand against his father’s back, holding onto this moment.
“Love you, Dad.”
Just in case.
Alon was next.
His little brother didn’t say much either, but his hug was firm, his voice steady when he said, “Good luck.”
And that was enough.
Finally, after saying their goodbyes to Logan, Adrian and Logan stepped out of the apartment, making their way back to the car in silence. The air was cooler now, crisp against Adrian’s skin.
Logan unlocked the car but didn’t get in right away. Instead, he turned to Adrian, his silver eyes searching his face.
“You okay?” he asked softly.
Adrian let out a slow breath, staring up at the sky for a moment before looking back at Logan.
“I don’t know,” he admitted.
Logan nodded, as if he understood.
And then, wordlessly, he reached out, taking Adrian’s hand and lacing their fingers together.
