Projection

53 • advice

"Mom."

Marie frowned on concern hearing her son's defeated tone. He was slouched over the breakfast bar, and his hair was in disarray, more tousled than usual. She had also noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes and the puffiness around them.

"He's so sad. He hasn't eaten in days, and he doesn't do any work anymore. It's been a week, and Charles is starting to stop calling even. I don't know what to do anymore."

Austin let out a shuddering breath.

Marie placed a bowl of hearty beef stew in front of him. It was one of his favourite meals. After fetching two rolls of Hawaiian sweet rolls, she placed the bread and a spoon before him.

"Why don't you bring him here for the weekend? I'll try talking to him."

Austin sighed again, lifting his head, and silently tucked into his soup.