"Good! It's finally my spring break, so I can actually have a chance to breathe again," he said. "I'm so sorry I missed your birthday," he said to Hailey and I, taking our hands in his. "I have a gift for both of you back in my room, I'll grab them for you later."

"I'm glad to see you, son," Daddy said, his tone affectionate. "How are your studies going?"

"I'm doing well, just working hard to keep up with my classes. I'm glad to have a break," he added, and our parents nodded at him.

"I'm so glad you could make it, Verdy," Mama Eliza said, her voice filled...