Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 123

She used to catch the boy's crumbling emotions and gently redirect them, ensuring he never broke down in public.

But now, even a teacher understood Leo better than he did.

The second activity was a family Q&A.

Holding a microphone, the host smiled brightly. "Next, we'll randomly select a few families and ask the parents to answer some fun questions about their kids, just to see how well you know them!"

Lawrence hadn't paid much attention.

Until Leo's name flashed across the screen.

The auditorium erupted in applause.

Leo's face went completely pale.

He looked at Lawrence, then at Willow, acting as if he had been shoved into a corner with nowhere to hide.

The host asked cheerfully, "First question: What is Leo's favorite food?"

Lawrence stayed silent.

Willow immediately chimed in. "Leo loves steak, right? Last time I took you to that restaurant, you ate so much."

Leo lowered his head.

Ms. Miller looked at the boy. "Leo, you can reveal the answer yourself."

Leo's voice was barely a whisper. "Wontons."

Willow froze.

Lawrence was equally stunned.

Wontons?

He had no idea.

Willow certainly didn't either.

It was a tiny, run-down shop Wren used to take him to. The soup was piping hot, the tables were worn, and his mother would sit across from him, telling him that he wasn't responsible for every adult's tears.

The host moved on. "Second question: What is Leo most afraid of?"

Lawrence frowned.

The question felt too invasive.

Willow guessed softly, "Sleeping alone?"

Leo shook his head.

He gripped the hem of his shirt, taking a long moment before answering. "I'm afraid of adults not talking."

The noisy auditorium seemed to dial down a notch.

Lawrence stared at him.

The boy didn't look at his father.

He stared at the tips of his shoes, his voice so quiet it was almost imperceptible. "When they stop talking, I never know if I'm the one who did something wrong."

When those words landed, Ms. Miller didn't press him for more.

She pulled the microphone away and said warmly, "Thank you, Leo. That was a very brave answer."

Brave.

Hearing that word, Leo almost burst into tears.

It sounded as though she were giving Wren all the credit.

But her next sentence smoothly followed. "It's just that she's been so busy lately. Leo needs time to adjust."

Mrs. Gable nodded, her gaze shifting between Willow and Lawrence with a knowing, subtle smile.

Lawrence noticed the look.

He should have found it annoying, but he didn't offer any clarification.

Catching his silence from the corner of her eye, Willow felt a wave of relief wash over her.

As long as he didn't correct them, the misunderstanding would continue to take root.

But she hadn't expected Leo to suddenly stop walking.

The boy looked up at the parent and said with absolute certainty, "My mom's name is Wren Whitaker."

Willow's smile froze.

Mrs. Gable was taken aback.

Leo's voice wasn't loud, but it was crystal clear. "She isn't absent because she's too busy. Dad promised me he would be the one to come today."

A heavy silence fell over the group.

Lawrence's face darkened completely. "Leo."

The boy flinched at the sharp tone.

But this time, he didn't immediately apologize.

He just hugged his backpack tighter, his eyes red. "I didn't say anything wrong."