The Rules of a Second Chance

ROMAN

The phone rang once, twice, three times. Each ring sent my heart rate climbing higher. I paced across my bedroom floor, my bare feet silent on the hardwood. Just as I was certain the call would go to voicemail, there was a click.

"Roman." Her voice was cool, controlled. Professional.

I stopped pacing. "Vanessa."

Silence stretched between us, heavy with all the things unsaid. I cleared my throat.

"I'm calling about this weekend. About picking up Fabian."

"Right." She sounded distant, like we were discussing a business transaction rather than our son. "I packed his favorite sleeping bag and some extra clothes. He tends to get muddy when he's outdoors."

"I remember." The words slipped out before I could stop them. "From the pack picnic last month."

Another uncomfortable silence.

"Leo mentioned you found a campsite by the lake?" she asked finally.

"Yes. Private spot, good fishing. Marcus recommended it."

"Fabian's excited. He's never been camping before."