244: Bringing It Back

Camilla The rawness in Justin's voice made it clear that whatever had just happened had cut deep. I wanted to press him for more, to understand, but the tension in his shoulders told me now wasn’t the time. “Okay,” I said softly, not wanting to push him. “But if you ever do want to talk, I’m here. You don’t have to deal with this alone.” He paused, his back still turned to me, and I could see the conflict warring within him. Finally, he nodded, though it was more a gesture of acknowledgment than agreement. “Thanks,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. We stood in silence for a moment longer, the lighthearted mood from before wholly shattered. Whatever had just happened between Justin and his father, it was clear that it ran deep—and I had a feeling this wasn’t the last time it would come up. Justin stood there for a few more moments, his back still to me. The tension in the room was almost suffocating. Finally, he sighed heavily and moved over to the couch, collapsing onto