College move-in day arrived faster than I expected.
Logan packed his clothes, books, and computer into two suitcases.
Andrew followed him around the house, carrying a toy truck and asking whether it could fit inside his brother's bag.
Logan finally crouched beside him.
"I can't take every toy, buddy."
Andrew's face crumpled.
"But you said you'd play with me."
"I will. When I come home, we'll play together."
Andrew thought about that.
Then he handed Logan the truck.
"Take this one."
Logan looked at the little toy.
"You want me to keep it?"
Andrew nodded.
"So you remember."
Logan hugged him.
"I won't forget you."
I turned away to hide my tears.
At the college, we carried his belongings into a small room with a narrow bed and a desk beside the window.
It wasn't luxurious.
But it was clean, bright, and full of possibility.
Logan stood in the center of the room.
For a moment, he looked frightened.
I recognized the expression.
He was standing at the edge of something he wanted and didn't know whether he was ready to face.
I took his hand.
"You don't have to know everything today."
He smiled.
"I know."
"And you can call me whenever you need help."
"I know that, too."
I hugged him.
This time, he didn't apologize for needing it.
Click here to continue reading: PART 19: The Message I Received at Midnight
The Police Officer Was Holding My Three-Year-Old Son
Part 18 of 20
