76

It hadn't even been a full week since the first call.

Lea was in the kitchen making coffee while Rafael read through board updates on his tablet when the phone rang again. The familiar number flashed on the screen — Brent International School. Ellie answered again.

She froze, eyes darting toward her parents before answering. "Hello? Yes, this is Ellie De Torre... oh. Oh no. What happened this time?"

The tone on the other end made her wince. "I'll tell them right away. We're on our way."

When she hung up, both Rafael and Lea already knew.

"Liam again?" Rafael asked, voice calm but tight, setting the tablet down.

Ellie nodded. "Yes. But they said it wasn't a fight. Not... like before."

Lea sighed deeply, pressing a hand to her temple. "Then what was it?"

"They said he used... a bad word. During an argument."

When they arrived at the principal's office, the scene was all too familiar. Liam sat in the middle chair, looking far less guilty than he did last time — more frustrated than ashamed. Beside him were his two friends, Aiden, a shy boy with soft features and spectacles, and Gia, his classmate and best friend.

The principal looked up from her desk, her tone weary but patient. "Mr. and Mrs. De Torre. Thank you for coming again."

Lea forced a polite smile. "Of course. Though I'm hoping this time isn't about another fist fight."

"No, ma'am. No fighting — at least, not physical."

She gestured toward Liam, who immediately sat straighter, his small chin lifting in defiance.

"According to witnesses," the principal began carefully, "some older students approached them in the cafeteria. They started teasing Liam and his friends. They called him 'the little rich boy who thinks he's perfect,' and then—"

She hesitated. "—they made comments about his... orientation."

Rafael frowned, brows drawing together. "Orientation?"

Lea turned sharply. "What kind of comments?"

Aiden spoke up, nervous but brave. "They said... that Liam's gay because he hangs out with me and Gia. And because we're always together. Then they started calling me names, too."

The principal nodded. "Liam stood up for both of them. But he used... inappropriate language."

Lea closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. "What did he say?"

Aiden bit his lip, then whispered, "He told them to shut up and—uh—'f*** off.'"

The word hung in the air like a slap. Rafael leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin. Lea pressed her lips together, torn between fury and sympathy.

The principal sighed softly. "Liam didn't hit anyone. He simply lost his temper."

Lea turned to her son, voice calm but firm. "Liam... why?"

Liam's small hands balled into fists in his lap. "Because they were being mean, Mama. They said things about Aiden — and about me — and I just couldn't let them."

His voice cracked, but he pressed on. "I told them I wasn't gay, but even if I was, there's nothing wrong with it! They laughed. They laughed at Aiden. So I said it."

A quiet settled over the room. Even the principal looked moved by his conviction.

Rafael watched him — that familiar fire, the De Torre steel burning in miniature form. Then he spoke, his tone even but heavy with emotion. "You stood up for your friends. That's something I respect. But words, anak — especially ones like that — have weight. They echo."

Liam looked down, shame flickering behind his eyes. "I didn't mean to, Papa."

"I know," Rafael said softly. "But you have to learn when to use your voice — and when to use your silence."

Lea's expression softened, her hand reaching out to smooth Liam's hair. "You have a good heart, baby. You just need to learn to lead it better."

The principal smiled faintly. "He's a very bright boy, Mrs. De Torre. It's clear he was defending someone. We'll let this one go as a warning — though I'd suggest maybe a talk at home about language."

"Trust me," Lea said, glancing at Rafael, "we'll have a talk."

Outside, the three children walked ahead while the adults trailed behind. Lea kept her tone low. "He's seven, Paeng. Seven. And already defending sexuality politics in the cafeteria."

Rafael chuckled under his breath. "Well, at least he's on the right side of history."

Lea shot him a look that could freeze oceans. "Rafa."

He raised both hands in mock surrender. "I'm just saying — we raised a brave one."

Lea exhaled, torn between exasperation and pride. "We raised a chaos magnet, you mean."

As they approached the car, Liam looked back, guilt still heavy on his face. "Mama? Papa?"

Lea crouched slightly so she could meet his eyes. "Yes, baby?"

He hesitated. "Am I in trouble?"

Rafael leaned down beside her. "You're not in trouble. But you need to be careful with words, all right? They can hurt just as much as fists."

Liam nodded. "I just didn't want them to hurt Aiden."

Lea smiled softly. "And that's what makes you good, anak. But next time, let your teachers handle it, okay?"

Liam looked uncertain. "But what if they don't?"

Rafael sighed and ruffled his hair. "Then you come to us. Always."

That evening, the villa felt quieter than usual. Lea sat in her reading chair while Rafael poured her a glass of wine.

"He's too much like us," she murmured, half to herself. "A temper, a sense of justice, and a mouth that doesn't filter when he's angry."

Rafael smirked. "That sounds like someone I married."

Lea shot him a look but couldn't help smiling. "And someone who raised him."

They clinked glasses.

At that exact moment, a soft knock came on the door. Liam peeked in, clutching his blanket. "Can I sleep here tonight?"

Lea set down her wine immediately. "Of course, baby. Come here."

He climbed into bed between them, snuggling into the duvet. Rafael brushed a hand through his son's hair. "No more bad words, okay?"

Liam nodded. "Okay. But Papa?"

"Yeah?"

"I still think those boys were stupid."

Lea burst out laughing. "Oh, definitely," she said, tucking him in.

Rafael grinned, kissing Liam's forehead. "Can't argue with that, Liamito."

As the lights dimmed and their son drifted to sleep between them, Lea whispered into the quiet, "He's got our fire, Paeng. Heaven help the world when he grows up."

Rafael smiled against the darkness. "He already burns bright, Lei. We just have to make sure he never burns out."