"Mama…" Roman's voice came out as a faint whisper from the doorway as he watched his mother leave.
The boy stood there stiffly, his small hands clenched at the ball. His wide eyes and glistening, were fixed on his father. A sudden flash of anger crossed his young face, an emotion far too heavy for a child his age.
"Why do you have to hurt my mother?" Roman asked, his voice trembling despite his attempt to sound brave.
His tiny shoulders began to shake as the words tumbled out of him.
"You never even looked at me before Mama came here," he continued, struggling to keep his voice steady. "You never talked to me… You were always too busy."
His breathing grew uneven, and tears gathered in his eyes.
"But she's so kind to me," he said. "She agreed to be my mother… Even though she didn't have to. She takes care of me and talks to me."
His lips quivered as tears broke free from his eyes.
"But Father always hurts her."
