Chapter 14
By the time Danny announced, "Mom, I've taken a part-time job," the Fenton household was bustling with activity. Maddie's eyes softened, filled with the endless affection only a mother could muster.
"Sweety, if it's because of the food, you don't need to worry. We can handle it easily," Maddie said, her tone gentle and reassuring. She placed a hand on Danny's cheek and kissed his forehead. "Focus on your studies and training. Doing too much might hurt you."
Danny, usually quick to squirm or protest at such open displays of affection, stood still this time. He was trying to change, after all, and change began with the little things.
"Mom," he said, his voice steady but earnest, "I just want to work and experience the world. I feel like I've been too complacent in my life. If I don't change now, I might not end up anywhere good."
Maddie froze for a moment. There was something different about her son—his words, his posture, the determined gleam in his eyes. For a boy who had always seemed aimless and distracted, these words carried weight. What happened to make him grow so much? she wondered, though the question was tinged with pride rather than suspicion.
"Okay," she relented, a smile breaking through her initial hesitation. "But if I see that it's hurting you, you'll quit. No arguments."
"Thank you, Mom. I love you," Danny said quickly, surprising both of them. Before Maddie could respond, he wrapped her in a hug and kissed her cheek, darting out of the room immediately after.
Maddie watched him go, her heart swelling with joy. It's moments like these that make everything worthwhile, she thought, savoring the rare display of affection. Being a parent was often a thankless job, but this? This made it all worth it.
Just as she returned to her cooking, Jack burst into the kitchen, his face lit with excitement. "Maddie! Mister Sebastian has decided to invest in our project!" he exclaimed, barely able to contain his enthusiasm.