8. Another Bonefire

When she returned, she wore an apologetic smile. “It was really nice meeting all of you, but I have to go now,” she said, gathering her things. “Thanks for everything, Jayden.” He watched her leave, feeling a strange mix of happiness and sadness. The day had flown by, and he realized he wasn’t quite ready for it to end. Later that evening, as Jayden returned home, the warmth of his time with Rose lingered, but it was soon overshadowed. When Jayden walked into the room, he instantly recognized the familiar scene. His mother sat on the couch, her hands wrapped tightly around a steaming mug of coffee. Her posture, the way her fingers wrapped around the handle, and the heaviness in her eyes all told him one thing: she had bad news. It was always like this when she struggled to say something difficult. “Mom?” Jayden began cautiously, stepping closer. “What’s going on?” She didn’t answer right away, her gaze fixed on the dark liquid in her cup. It wasn’t until he asked once again, his voice