The Perfect Son Read Online Free PDF Page B

That’s why I told you that he needed help. Now, I don’t know if anybody can help him,” Sean said quietly.
    Frozen, Kelly joined in the silence. It was one thing to read that her son had had suicidal thoughts, but to hear that he had made an attempt was another matter. All she could think was, ‘How the hell did I not know any of this?’
    “Sean, thank you for telling me that. I wish you had told me sooner, but better late than never. Is there anything else that I need to know?”
    “No, nothing that I can think of.”
    “What about the day of the accident? I know that you were the last one to speak to him, because he was headed towards Ferndale.”
    “No, I didn’t speak to him, but he did send me this.”
    When Kelly glanced over she saw Sean quickly scrolling through his text messages. He then handed her the phone. Between glances between the road and the phone she read:
     
    Sean, man, please tell me you’re at home             
    Yeah, I’m home. What’s up?
    You're not going to believe this shit. This can't be fucking real. I can't deal with this. I have to get out of here. I'm on my way. Don't go anywhere.
    Alright, I’ll be here
    It’s getting late. Have you left, yet?
    Bro, are you still coming?
     
    “I think about that text constantly. He never made it to my house that day, so I never found out what he was so pissed about. I now wonder if I’ll ever find out,” Sean said as he took his phone, reread the message, and then put it back into his pocket. “Thanks for the ride, Mrs. Win.”
    That brought Kelly out of her thoughts. She hadn’t realized that they had already arrived. She had made the entire trip on autopilot.
    “It was no problem. Do you need a ride tomorrow?”
    “No, but thanks anyway. My mom will be picking me up the rest of the semester. After that, I’m transferring back to Ferndale. I’m only attending school in Bloomfield Hills because Cody asked me to, but now… I can’t be around him. All I feel is hurt and pissed off and it’s affecting my grades. I’ve never been good at school, but that doesn’t mean I want to be a dropout. Sorry I wasn’t more of a help today,” Sean said while grabbing his bag.
    “Actually, you’ve been a great help, and a great friend to my son. Thank you,” Kelly said as she grabbed his arm. Her disdain for him and Cody’s friendship had never been a secret, so Sean was openly surprised.
    “Uh, you’re welcome. See you around, Mrs. Win,” he said with uncertainty, and then got out of the car. At that moment, Kelly could see him for exactly what he was, a fifteen-year-old boy, the same as her son. She had spent so much time despising him that she had forgotten that he was just a boy.
     
    ***
     
    “Mrs. Winters, I sincerely apologize for not being able to meet with you yesterday. I had a family emergency that required my presence,” Dr. Cruson said as he walked over to Kelly and Cody. They both looked worse for wear, but the change in Cody was especially pronounced.
    “It’s not a problem at all Dr. Cruson. Cody and I completely understand,” Kelly said plainly as both she and Cody stood.
    “How are you feeling today?” Dr. Cruson asked as he turned his attention to his patient.
    “I’m feeling okay, I suppose.”
    Dr. Cruson could see that that statement was hopeful at best, but didn’t get the chance to push the issue because Kelly injected.
    “Cody, there is a beverage machine down the hall. Please grab me a small hot chocolate. Feel free to get yourself something as well if you like,” she said as she handed him several dollars. The minute he was out of sight, she broke down.
    “I can’t do this anymore. Dr. Cruson, I can’t take any more of this. I’m trying to be strong for Cody, but I can’t keep this up, especially not now with him breaking down.”
    “Kelly, what has happened?”
    “What hasn’t happened? My god, everything keeps going so wrong for him, but he always puts on a brave face. I