366: Misunderstandings Unraveled

The air was heavy with tension as Emma knelt down, trying to peer into Francis' teary eyes. His small frame shook with each sob, his youthful innocence clashing with the weight of the misunderstandings he carried. Emma's heart ached; it was clear now that Francis' decision to live with his grandmother stemmed from a tangled web of misconceptions and rumors, none of which were his to bear. "Francis," Emma began, her voice soft but firm, "you've got it all wrong. I care about you a lot, just like I care about your dad. But people outside, they sometimes talk without knowing the full story, and it seems like that's hurt you." Francis sniffled, wiping his tears with the back of his hand, his gaze flickering with confusion and hope. "So, you’re not sending me away because you don't want me around?" "Of course not," Emma reassured, her hand gently squeezing his shoulder. "You're a wonderful kid, Francis. Your dad and I, we’re just friends. And even if that changes, it wouldn’t make me