Avery felt that Hayden was deliberately refusing to negotiate with her.

The more she thought about it, the more restless she became. Eventually, she called Elliot because her sadness was too much to bear.

"Elliot, Hayden has decided to study abroad. He's leaving me."

Elliot's breathing became heavier. "Is there anything I can do?"

"No. Don't do anything, because you can't," she felt choked. "He's made up his mind. Mike said he'd be leaving the day after tomorrow at the latest. He doesn't want to be in this house anymore."

"Let him go if that's what he wants," Elliot said helplessly. "Don't cry. Just don't treat him like he's a child."

"I can't help but treat him as a child, Elliot. I always feel like I'm going to lose him."

"You won't. He's your son and you'll never lose him," Elliot comforted her patiently. "He just doesn't want to face me. He still loves you. You can always visit him frequently in the future."

Her mood calmed down gradually as she listened to his deep voice.