Instead, he learned to stop feeding the conversation.

Later that week, Diane did come by, carrying lasagna and a bag of children’s books.

She kept her questions to herself.

Mason showed her his rocket drawing, and Hannah introduced Hope without mentioning a diagnosis.

For an hour, the visit felt ordinary.

After Diane left, Lucas stood beside the sink rinsing dishes while Hannah settled Hope in the living room.

“I thought if people knew I was scared they’d think less of me,” he said quietly.