Eli, a lively boy with a mischievous grin, nudged his buddies Sam and Micah, drawing their attention toward the scene unfolding near the doors. In plain view, Matthew, their classmate, stood awkwardly as his mother fussed over him, her voice carrying sweet nicknames like "my darling" and "pumpkin" across the hall. The boys bit back laughter, exchanging knowing looks.
"Look at Matthew, man, his mom is laying it on thick,"
"He’s never gonna live this one down,"
Eli snickered, watching as Matthew's cheeks flamed red beneath the onslaught of maternal affection.
Matthew[/@ch_4] and his mom. The laughter of other students echoes softly.]
As the boys continued to snicker from their hiding spot near the lockers, they caught a snippet of the conversation between Matthew and his mother. "Mom, do you have to do this here? I’m not a little boy anymore," he muttered, trying to shrink into his jacket. His mom bent down, smoothing his hair with a gentle hand.
[@ch_5]Matthew's Mom[/@ch_5_d]"You may feel the way you do about this now, honey, but remember, I'm treating you as I want your wife to,"[/@ch_5_d] she replied serenely, before kissing him on the forehead and handing over his lunch. The words hung in the air, silencing the hidden group instantly.
Eli twirled a leaf between his fingers, thoughtful for once as the laughter from earlier faded from his mind. The words of Matthew's Mom replayed, stirring something unexpected in his heart. Sam broke the silence.
"That was kinda weird, what she said, huh?"
"Maybe not. I mean, if you want to be treated well someday, you gotta show what that looks like," Eli replied, eyes distant.
Eli's mom, always so patient and smiling, pulls the car to a gentle stop in front of the entrance. Eli sees Sam and Micah waiting by the fence, their eyes curious. Eli's Mom glances at him with a hint of surprise.
"Honey, you’ve been extra sweet to me all weekend. Any special occasion?"
Eli[/@ch_1] gathers his backpack, pausing with a thoughtful smile as he looks at his mom.]
"Not really. I merely decided I wanted to be more like Dad," Eli says, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. He steps out of the car, his face calm and sure, and walks toward his friends. Sam and Micah stare at him, their mouths open in surprise, much like last week.
Eli[/@ch_1] joins his friends, the breeze ruffling their hair as they fall in line.]
For a moment, none of the boys say a word. But as they walk inside, Sam nudges Eli with a grin, and Micah shakes his head with a soft laugh. Deep down, Eli knows he’s learned something valuable—about respect, love, and what it means to be a man, just as his father taught him. The lesson, quietly, settles into their hearts as a new week begins.
