#Chapter 93: Ski Trip

Aria Lucas’s face crumpled before the words even left Darren’s mouth. “No,” Darren said firmly, shaking his head. “You’re not coming, Lucas.” Lucas’s little hands curled into fists at his sides as he looked up at Darren with wide, watery eyes. “But why not? You always say I’m brave!” His voice cracked at the end, and my heart twisted in my chest. “You are brave,” Darren replied, his tone softening just a little, but he stayed firm. “But skiing isn’t safe for pups. You could get hurt.” “I won’t!” Lucas insisted, his voice climbing higher as his tears began to spill over. He swiped at his face angrily with his sleeve. “I’ll be careful, I promise!” “Lucas,” Darren said again, this time more gently, crouching so he was eye level with him. “I’m sorry, but I said no.” Lucas didn’t respond. He just turned and bolted for the couch, burying his face in the cushions as his little shoulders shook. We both expected this sort of reaction from telling Lucas