"Cheer up, buddy," Leonard said, his eyes flickering to the rearview mirror where Nathan sat in his car seat, arms folded tight against his chest, cheeks puffed in a stubborn pout.
Nathan didn't answer. He just stared out the window, lower lip jutting out like it weighed a ton.
Leonard sighed quietly, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel while waiting for the light to turn green. "I know... you wanted to stay home with Maya. But hey, she's with your mom. She's gonna be okay. Plus, you know, you gotta go to school. You're the man today."
No response. Nathan's reflection didn't move.
Leonard tried again. "Come on, champ. You need to go, not only for youself but Maya, too."
Nathan's pout faltered—just a little. He gave a reluctant side-eye to the mirror but said nothing.
