Jason could see it in her eyes—the way her walls were rising, the way she was forcing herself to stand firm even though it was killing her inside.

“I can’t do this anymore, Jason,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.

“Baby, please,” Jason stepped forward, desperation bleeding into his voice. “Just give me a chance. I’ll tell you everything. I swear, no more secrets.”

She shook her head. “Why should I believe that now? After months of lying, sneaking out, coming back hurt, acting like nothing happened?” Her voice wavered. “I love you, Jason, but love isn’t enough when you don’t trust me.”

Jason clenched his jaw. “It’s not about trust. I was trying to protect you.”

She let out a bitter laugh. “Right. Because that always works.”

Before he could argue, a knock on the door made them both freeze. Jason’s entire body tensed, instincts taking over as he immediately stepped in front of her, shielding her from whatever threat might be waiting on the other side

No one should know where he lived.

Hand already on his gun, Jason slowly reached for the handle and yanked the door open—

And then he just… stared.

Standing on the other side was a kid, maybe fourteen at most, grinning up at him like this was the most normal thing in the world. He had messy black hair, save for a single white streak running through it, and piercing eyes that—wait.

Something about those eyes made Jason’s stomach drop.

“Hey, Dad!” the kid chirped. “Wow, you look so young. That’s kinda weird.”

Jason’s brain short-circuited. “I—what—what?!”

“Uh, yeah, surprise!” The kid rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I’m your son. From the future. I need your help with something.”

Jason could do nothing but gape at him. But before he could process any of this, the kid’s gaze shifted—

And landed on her.

His grin widened instantly. “Oh, awesome! Mom’s here too!”