Chapter 19 - Liam Visits NoahNot at home.
Neutral school counseling office.
Both boys agreed.
Liam sat across from Noah.
Ethan waited outside because Noah asked him to.
Liam looked miserable.
“I’m sorry.”
Noah frowned.
“For what?”
“My mom.”
“You didn’t hit me.”
“No.”
“My homework?”
Liam looked down.
“I knew I wouldn’t get punished.”
Noah waited.
“I should’ve said something.”
“You’re twelve.”
“So are you.”
Noah did not know how to answer.
Liam continued:
“Kids think I wanted it.”
“Did you?”
“Sometimes.”
Honest.
“I liked not getting detention.”
Noah almost smiled.
“Obviously.”
Liam looked up.
“But I hated everyone knowing.”
Noah nodded.
Then:
“You could’ve told her.”
Liam’s face tightened.
“I tried once.”
“What happened?”
“She said I was ungrateful.”
Same system.
Different consequence.
Noah’s anger softened without disappearing.
Liam asked:
“Do you hate me?”
“Sometimes.”
Liam blinked.
Noah shrugged.
“You asked.”
Then:
“Not all the time.”
That was enough.
No instant friendship.
May you like
No hug.
Truth without performance.
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