I never told my family I was the anonymous buyer behind the $200 million deal!

That night, sleep didn’t come easily. Guilt pressed on him from all sides. He replayed conversations, remembered how often they’d said they were “fine,” how rarely he’d questioned it. Before sunrise, he left again—but not to run. He returned hours later with groceries, medications, and household supplies. He filled the refrigerator and cabinets, apologizing without words, his actions speaking what he couldn’t say.

Over the following days, Matthew stayed.

He repaired what he could. He patched the roof where leaks had gone unnoticed. He cleared the yard, shoveled snow, and fixed the loose step on the porch. His father watched quietly, offering advice only when asked. His mother stayed in the kitchen, cooking more than necessary, relieved by his presence but careful not to show it too openly.

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