Chapter 3: A Second Chance for Family

I went home, the walk as familiar as breathing—past the faded Dairy Queen, the cracked sidewalks, the neighbor’s porch swing creaking in the wind. My sneakers scuffed the welcome mat as I stepped inside.

My mom came out with a spatula, grinning. “My little genius is home! I made your favorite—mac and cheese with barbecue ribs. Go wash up!”

The kitchen smelled like baked cheese and sweet barbecue sauce. Sunlight caught dust in the air, making everything glow. Mom’s apron said "World’s Okayest Cook," her smile the warmest thing I’d ever seen.

In my last life, my mom believed in me to the end.

Her faith never wavered, even when everyone else turned. She carried me through the worst days, never letting go.

She didn’t hesitate to use her own life to draw attention to my innocence.

Her bravery broke my heart. I saw the cost in her tired eyes, the way she forced herself to smile.

Back then, I was locked up and never got to say goodbye.

I’d have given anything for one more hug, one more breakfast together.

My mom was my whole family—no aunts or cousins nearby, just the two of us against the world.

When I was little, my dad died in a car accident on an icy road outside Cedar Rapids. Mom never talked about it, but sometimes I’d catch her staring at old photos, eyes shining with unshed tears.

She worked three jobs to raise me—waitressing, cleaning offices, always making time for me. She never once complained.

She left early and came home late. Sometimes she’d sneak into my room at night to tuck me in, thinking I was asleep.

She wasn’t even fifty, but her hair was already turning gray. I used to tease her about it—she’d laugh, but I saw how tired she was.

Looking at her smiling now, remembering everything from before, I couldn’t stop the tears.

My chest squeezed tight. Mom’s smile faded as she hurried over, concern replacing her joy.

“Caleb, did someone bully you?” Her voice was fierce, ready to take on the world.

“Tell me, I’ll stand up for you!”

I wiped my eyes, forced a smile, and shook my head. “No one bullied me. I was just thinking, if I get into Northwestern, I can take you to Chicago and give you the good life you deserve. That makes me happy!”

She squeezed my hand, pride shining in her eyes. The kitchen felt safer than anywhere else on earth.

She laughed, ruffling my hair. “Who told my son to be so amazing!”

Her laughter rang out, and for a moment, everything felt normal again.

Yes. I breathed in the scent of dinner and made a vow—I wouldn’t let anyone take this away.

My greatest wish now is to grow up fast and let my mom finally enjoy life.

I pictured her retiring early, maybe taking up painting again. All I wanted was to give back some of the happiness she gave me.

In my last life, this wish should have come true. Sometimes I’d daydream about our future in Chicago—her sketching by the lake, me bringing her coffee.

I’d been guaranteed admission to Northwestern, full scholarship. It was a ticket to a new world. I read that letter a hundred times, barely believing it.

It would have lifted a huge burden from my mom’s shoulders. No more triple shifts, no more rent worries. We could finally breathe.

After graduation, with a good job, I could have let my mom finally rest. I imagined surprising her with a new car, or a trip to Disney World. Maybe silly, but I wanted her to feel special.

But a thankless traitor ruined me and destroyed my family. Natalie’s betrayal echoed in my mind. She took everything and left only ruins.

My once-bright future turned pitch black. Nights became endless, days gray and empty. My only escape was sleep, but even there, nightmares found me.

In this life, I’ll never meddle again. I set my jaw, resolved—no more heroes. Just survival, and a better tomorrow for me and my mom.