Page 63 of A Thousand Broken Pieces

Hope you’re enjoying India, son. Leo said you’re doing well. We love you.

My heart took off in a sprint. I thought back to the ghat this afternoon and my confession to Savannah that I was a bad son. My hands shook as I read that message over and over again until my eyes blurred. At the many unanswered messages they had sent in the numerous weeks that I had been away. They’d never stopped trying. In reality, my parents had never given up on me. I’d pushed them away, taken out my anger on them and made their lives hell. Yet they were still here, trying. Trying so hardforme.

Unlocking my phone, I texted back:

ME:

I love you both too. Miss you.

Dad’s response was immediate.

DAD:

Cael. Son. Thank you for texting back. We want to speak to you more than anything. Hear your voice. But we’ll wait until you’re ready. We’re just so happy you’ve responded. We miss you so much and are so proud of you. Keep going, Cael. We love you. Please keep talking to us.

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