The school called. Jonas and Xavier had fought. My heart plummeted. At the office, both boys were hurt; Yvonne was already there, arguing with the teacher.

“What happened?” I asked.

The teacher sighed. “Gym class. Xavier led a group bullying Jonas. Jonas fought back.”

I turned to Xavier. “Why did you bully your brother?”

Xavier pouted. “He’s useless! He can’t play basketball. We lost because of him!”

Before I could respond, Yvonne snapped, “Xavier, apologize!”

He stubbornly refused.

I knelt beside Jonas. “What happened, son?”

Jonas, tears streaming, choked out, “Xavier said you divorced Mom because I’m stupid and useless… a burden.”

A cold rage washed over me. I glared at Yvonne. “So this is how you raise your child?”

Her face paled. “Cole, you’ve got it wrong!”

“Really? Then why did he say that? Yvonne, I’m warning you. Raise him right, or I’ll take legal action.”

I scooped Jonas into my arms and left, Yvonne’s protests fading behind me.

In the car, Jonas whispered, “Daddy, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hit him.”

I stroked his hair. “Jonas, you did nothing wrong. I’ll always love you, always be on your side.”

At home, cleaning his wounds, the bruises on his small body broke my heart.

“Daddy,” Jonas said suddenly, “Are we going to Grandma and Grandpa’s tonight?”

The memory of Dad’s words hit me. “Yes. Let’s get ready.”

My parents’ house smelled of home. Mom rushed out, seeing Jonas’s injuries.

“Oh God, what happened?”

I explained briefly. Mom hugged Jonas, tears in her eyes. Dad emerged, his face grim.

“What happened? Did Yvonne do this?”

I shook my head. “Let’s not talk about it. Let’s eat.”

Dinner was strained. Dad kept questioning the divorce arrangements. I kept my answers short, protecting Jonas.

After dinner, Mom took Jonas to watch TV. Dad summoned me to his study.

“Cole,” he said gravely, “Are you really not considering reconciliation?”