Heat rose to Daniel’s face.
For a second, it looked like he might step back.
Apologize.
Disappear.
Because that’s what boys like him are taught to do.
But something inside him refused.
Not pride.
Something deeper.
Memory.
Love.
A gift someone once believed in… that refused to die.
He didn’t argue.
Didn’t defend himself.
He simply placed the tray down.
And walked to the piano.