The Walk Into the Night
Outside, the air was cool and quiet.
The sound of laughter and music from the ballroom faded behind them.
Daniel shrugged off his jacket and draped it over his mother’s shoulders.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I should’ve been there sooner.”
Linda squeezed his hand, smiling through tears.
“You were there when it mattered, my son.”
As they walked down the empty street, her heels clicking softly against the pavement, Linda felt lighter than she had in years.
Every insult, every sleepless night of labor — it had all led to this moment.
Her son had chosen honor over pride, love over luxury.
And for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel poor.
