The Ghost in the Photograph

ROMAN

I watched Vanessa's face fall as I suggested we spend Sunday as a family—just the three of us. Though she kept her voice controlled, her eyes told the complete story.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now," she said quietly, not meeting my gaze.

"Please, Mom?" Fabian looked up at her, his golden-brown eyes—my eyes—wide with hope. "Dad said we could go to the lake and skip stones!"

The rejection stung, but the way her shoulders tensed told me pushing would only make things worse. I crouched down to Fabian's level, ruffling his hair.

"Maybe another time, champ," I said, forcing brightness into my voice. "Your mom needs some rest this weekend."

Disappointment clouded my son's face. "But you promised."

"And I'll keep that promise. Just not Sunday." I pulled him into a hug, breathing in his scent—a perfect blend of Vanessa's and mine. "We'll go soon, okay?"