Years passed. The nightmares stopped. The closet stayed empty.

And Micah? He grew into a young man who understood what it meant to truly fight for someone you love.

Zayden never let go of his teddy bear. But one day, he handed it to Micah.

“Why?” Micah asked, confused.

“Because I’m okay now,” Zayden said. “You carried me when I couldn’t carry myself. Now you can let that go too.”

Micah cried again—but this time, the tears were healing.

They’re both in high school now. Taller than me. Still finishing each other’s sentences. Still teasing each other over who snores louder.

But now, their laughter has a lightness. They no longer carry the past like a weight.

Just a reminder.