Chapter 8 - Caleb’s MotherCaleb did not answer unknown calls.
By noon, he had thirteen missed calls from the restaurant, three from coworkers, and one voicemail from a reporter whose voice sounded too excited.
He sat at the small kitchen table in his mother’s apartment, staring at his phone.
His mother, Denise Reed, placed a bowl of soup in front of him.
“You should eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“You never are when you’re upset.”
Caleb gave a tired smile.
Denise sat across from him.
She had worked nights most of Caleb’s life, but grief had aged her more than work ever did. Still, her eyes were strong.
“I saw the video,” she said.
Caleb looked down.
“You did good.”
His throat tightened.
“I almost didn’t get there in time.”
“But you did.”
He shook his head.
“For a second, I saw Jonah.”
Denise’s face softened.
“So did I.”
They sat quietly.
The apartment still held traces of Jonah. A faded sticker on the refrigerator. A baseball glove on the top shelf of the closet. A photo frame by the window with both boys at a park, Caleb trying to look serious while Jonah made a silly face.
Denise reached across the table.
“You couldn’t save your brother because you weren’t there.”
Caleb swallowed hard.
“I know.”
“But some part of you still runs toward that diner every day.”
He looked at her.
“And last night, that part of you reached another child.”
Caleb’s eyes burned.
“I got suspended.”
Denise’s expression changed.
“For saving a boy?”
“Manager said I embarrassed the restaurant.”
Denise let out a humorless laugh.
“Then the restaurant should be embarrassed.”
His phone buzzed again.
This time the caller ID showed: The Sterling Room.
Caleb stared at it.
“Answer,” his mother said.
He hesitated, then picked up.
“Hello?”
A woman’s voice answered.
“Mr. Reed, this is Evelyn Hart, owner of The Sterling Room. I would like to speak with you in person today, if you’re willing.”
Caleb’s hand tightened around the phone.
“Am I being fired?”
There was a pause.
“No,” Evelyn said. “I’m calling because I believe you were treated unfairly. And because the father of the child has asked to meet you.”
Caleb’s stomach twisted.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“I understand,” she said. “But there is security footage you deserve to see. And there are apologies you deserve to hear.”
Caleb looked at his mother.
Denise nodded once.
May you like
Caleb took a breath.
“I’ll come.”
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