Feelings Are Okay

Carter sat at the kitchen table, his chin propped in his hands, tracing the wood grain with a listless finger. The bright yellow of the sunshine outside seemed to mock him, a cheerful beacon in a world that had suddenly turned grey. Usually, the sound of his mom humming as she made breakfast would make him want to bounce down the stairs, ready for pancakes and a day of adventure. Today, it just felt… far away.

His dad poured him a glass of milk, placing it gently in front of him. "Morning, champ," he said, his voice soft. Carter mumbled a greeting, his eyes still fixed on the table. He didn't feel like a champ. He felt like a deflated balloon, all his bouncy energy gone.

Mom joined them, her smile warm but a little worried. She sat next to Carter, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind his ear. "You're very quiet this morning, sweetie," she said.