649: HERE TO LISTEN

LUKE'S POV "How long are you staying?" I asked my mother cause this woman loved traveling around the world. I knew she was going to move after this one. Her smile was enigmatic. "For as long as you need me, Luke. And perhaps even longer." I couldn't suppress a bittersweet smile at her response. We walked down the hall together, our steps slow and measured. She spoke of her travels and the beauty of Australia, but her words were a distant hum in my ears. My mind was elsewhere, tangled in memories of Ariel and the future that might have been. As we reached my bedroom door, my mother paused her hand on my shoulder. "Whatever you're carrying, Luke, don't let it weigh you down. Remember, the sun always rises, even after the darkest night." I nodded, managing a wan smile. "I'll try, Mom. I'll try." She patted my shoulder before continuing down the hall to her own room. I didn't tell her what happened between Ariel and me today, but she knew about my divorce, and everyone knew. She had