Gray became a delivery boy to help his mom stretch every dollar. His dad, Ben, had lost his job and sank into a quiet despair at home. When Gray picked up his biggest delivery yet, he hoped a generous tip might lift his mother’s spirits.
He rang the doorbell of a grand house, ready to hand over the package. The door swung open, and standing there—in a silky yellow robe, chest hair peeking out—was his father. Shock jolted through him like a live wire.
“Thanks, kid… extra tip because you…” The words trailed off as Ben’s face went pale. Without another word, he shoved cash into Gray’s hand and escaped inside—like a snake slithering into the shadows.
Gray backed away, heart pounding. He turned, numbly finishing his deliveries, but his mind spun with a painful truth.
When he finally made it home, Ben waited with an excuse—about loneliness, about feeling neglected, about still loving Gray’s mom. But Gray had reached a breaking point: he’d been filling in for his dad for too long.
“I’m not covering for you anymore,” he said, voice tight with hurt. He walked away, determined that from now on, he’d be the strength his family needed.
