The remnants of the afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the living room, filling the farmhouse with a hazy light as Martha Saunders kneels to eye level with her son, SJ. The little boy, dressed in a navy blue robot graphic tee and jeans, looks at her with a mix of pride and sadness.

 

“Thanks for helping me get my stuff downstairs, bud,” she says, ruffling his soft brown hair.

 

SJ’s eyes dart to the floor, then back up to her. “You're welcome, Mama,” he says in a small voice. “I’m gonna miss you.”

 

She is heading on tour for two weeks throughout the west coast with her band courtesy of her son's father, her ex Murray, to which Martha's boyfriend Samuel isn't keen due to Murray still having feelings for her, but for Martha, she sees it as a professional opportunity to have more of her music exposed throughout the country. 

 

She smiles, her heart lifting. “I’m gonna miss you too, but it’ll go by quickly. I’ll be back before you know it, and you’ve got Grandma, Aunt Esther, Will and Otis to keep you company.”

 

As if on cue, Otis, their ten-month-old black-and-white border collie, scurries around their feet, his tail wagging furiously, always excited by the commotion of people coming and going. Martha’s mother, Sarah Lynn, stands nearby, offering a supportive smile, while Aunt Esther folds her arms, her gaze sharp and concerned.

 

"Just... watch your back out there,” Esther says, her tone cautious.

 

Martha grins, giving her aunt a reassuring glare. "I’ll be fine, Aunt Esther. Promise.” she winks. 

 

Sarah Lynn and Esther share a glance, worry flickering in their eyes. Martha knows what they’re thinking about, too—the fact that no one in the family has been a match for Lenny yet as she continues to go through chemotherapy. The older women are determined, though, convinced that a match will come.

 

“If it turns out I’m a match, I’ll be on the first plane back here,” Martha tells them. 

 

The single mother had gotten tested and hadn't received the results yet. 

 

The din of the doorbell interrupts them, and Martha heads over to open it, revealing Murray Hirsch standing on the porch with an eager grin. He’s dressed in his usual casual style, his expression a mix of excitement and impatience.

 

“Ready to go?” he asks.

 

“Not quite,” Martha replies. “I’m waiting for Samuel to drop by."

 

The talent agent's grin fades slightly, but he recovers with a shrug. “We need to get to the airport in about an hour, you know.”

 

He then turns to greet his child's grandmother and great-aunt. 

 

"Hello, Sarah Lynn, Esther,” he says, giving a respectful nod. “Good to see both of you ladies again.”

 

Sarah Lynn returns the smile, her eyes crinkling warmly. “Good to see you too, Murray." 

 

The older woman always had respect for her grandson's father, despite him only coming into his life after five years. 

 

Esther gives him a once-over, her tone curt but affable. “Just make sure she gets back here in one piece,” she says with a sharp look.

 

Murray nods with an easygoing shrug. “Of course, Esther. No need to worry.”

 

Esther, however, doesn't seem to buy it, though she doesn't decide to make a scene. 

 

SJ bounds over, and Murray scoops up his son in a playful hug. 

 

Meanwhile, Otis is sniffing one of Murray's shoes with interest.

 

A soft knock at the door makes Sarah Lynn open the door, and Samuel Gupta steps in. He nods politely at Murray, who nods back, though it’s clear neither man has much to say to the other. Samuel, his face warm but slightly tense, greets SJ, a genuine smile spreading across his face as the boy lights up.

 

Martha clears her throat. “Can I get a moment with just the two of us?” she asks, turning to Murray and the rest of her family. 

 

Sarah Lynn turns to her youngest daughter. "Just holler when you're about to leave, okay?"
 
The permanent brunette nods as the matriarchs head into the kitchen and no doubt Murray will be the talk of their conversation.
 
“Hey, champ! Ready to help me load up some stuff in the car?” Murray vocalizes

 

SJ nods enthusiastically, happy to help. “Okay!" 

 

With Murray and SJ out of earshot, Samuel takes Martha’s hand, his eyes serious but softened by a hint of a smile. “It’s not too late to change your mind, you know. But, hey,” he adds quickly, “that would be selfish of me. I’m trying not to be.”

 

Martha grips his hand, her face softening. “I know, Samuel. And I do understand where you’re coming from. But this is an incredible opportunity—one I can’t let slip by.”

 

Samuel nods, giving her a lingering look. 

 

Murray and SJ step back inside, Murray rubbing his hands after settling Martha’s bags in the car. He shoots a confident smile in Samuel’s direction. “Don’t worry, Sam. I’ll take good care of her.”

 

Samuel’s eyes meet his, steady and calm, yet tinged with a hint of tension. The psychiatrist's response is measured, immediately. “She can take care of herself.”

 

Letting out a quiet exhale, Martha turns to SJ, who has been watching the exchange with curious eyes. She crouches down, wrapping her arms tightly around him. “Be good, okay, buddy? I’ll be back before you know it.”

 

SJ nods, his small arms looping around her neck in return, holding on a little tighter than usual. “I promise, Mama.”

 

She pulls back, brushing a kiss against his forehead as she stands. With one last look at him, she turns, catching Samuel’s eye, then Murray’s. Both men watch her, their shared understanding and unspoken tension lingering, bound by their love for her but separated by what each envisions her future to be.