Learning to Let Go

LEO

I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt this nervous around my own nephew. Fabian sat on the couch, legs swinging slightly, his eyes fixed on the cartoon playing on the TV. He hadn't acknowledged me since I'd walked in ten minutes ago.

"Hey, buddy," I finally said, sitting beside him. "I know I've been gone a lot lately."

His small shoulders lifted in a shrug that broke my heart. "S'okay. Mom said you were busy with Alpha stuff."

"It wasn't just Alpha stuff." I turned toward him, switching off the TV. His eyes reluctantly met mine. "I was helping someone who once saved my life. But that doesn't mean I should have been away from you for so long."

Fabian's expression softened slightly. "You were helping someone? Like a hero?"

I smiled, grateful for his innocent perspective. "Not exactly heroic. Just doing what was right. But I missed you, and I'm sorry."