Molly sat across from her husband, Nigel, at lunch, the silence between them heavy. Nigel’s irritation was palpable as he criticized her overcooked meal and then blamed her son, Tommy, for their problems. Nigel’s disdain for Tommy, who wasn’t his biological child, hurt Molly deeply. The constant moving due to Nigel’s unstable job had left Tommy struggling in school and acting out.

The phone rang, interrupting the tense atmosphere. It was Mrs. Kolinz, the school principal, asking Molly to discuss Tommy’s disruptive behavior. Molly’s heart sank; another school might expel Tommy, making his situation even more precarious.

The next day, Molly and Tommy walked to the principal’s office, their anxiety palpable. Mrs. Kolinz informed Molly that Tommy had one last chance to improve or face expulsion. Desperate, Molly pleaded, explaining their frequent relocations and Tommy’s need for stability.

As they left, Molly heard a familiar voice—Christian, her ex-boyfriend from nine years ago, stood before her. He expressed regret over his past decision to leave and offered to be involved in Tommy’s life. Christian believed he could help Tommy find stability.

Molly returned home to find Nigel drunk and despondent. Realizing she could no longer endure the instability, she packed a few bags and woke Tommy. “We’re leaving,” she said softly. They set out to stay with Christian, hoping for a fresh start and a future filled with promise.