The family was having breakfast. The meal was delicious, but the whole time, George was silent, staring at the food he was eating as if staring hard enough was the key to immortality.

His family knew he was ashamed to look at them. It was understandable.

“George, my son,”

The brunet looked at his stepdad. “Y-yes, Dad…?”

“Don’t be nervous around us. You made a mistake. It’s not the end of the world. So don't beat yourself up over it. Relax and act the way you were before, cheerful and smiling.”

“Um… I’ll try. For now, um… I’m just dealing with shame. I’ll come around for sure. Just please… gimme...