Meeting Sheila’s gaze long and hard, Kent uttered in gratitude, “Thank you for forgiving my mom, Sheila. I’ve booked my parents a train ride back home tomorrow.”

“That’s your family matter, Kent. I won’t get involved.”

Kent fell silent for a bit before offering his apologies once more. He insisted that Sheila should take the gifts, but she firmly declined. The family of three left, gift bags in hand.

He knew right there and then that any hope for a future with Sheila was gone.

Kent did no