"Heartstopper: A Mother's Concern"

As I sat in the kitchen, sipping my tea and staring out the window, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and love for my son, Nick. He had grown into such a kind and gentle soul, and I was grateful to have him in my life. I had always known that he was a little different, that he didn't quite fit into the traditional mold of what society considered "normal." But as his mother, I had always accepted and loved him for who he was. As I sat there, lost in thought, my mind began to wander to his boyfriend, Charlie. I had grown to love Charlie like a son, and I was so grateful to see how happy he made Nick. They were such a sweet couple, and I loved watching them interact with each other. They had a love that was pure and true, and it warmed my heart to see. But as much as I loved Charlie, I couldn't help but feel a little concerned about the pressures that came with being in a same-sex relationship, especially in a world that didn't always understand or accept them. I worried about the bullying and the hate that they might face, and I worried about how Nick would handle it all. Just as I was starting to get worked up, I heard the door open and Nick walk in. He was smiling, and his eyes sparkled with happiness as he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Hey, Mum," he said, dropping his bag on the floor. "How was your day?" "It was fine, sweetie," I replied, smiling back at him. "Just thinking about you and Charlie, and how you two are doing." Nick's face lit up with a smile, and he sat down across from me at the table. "We're doing great, Mum," he said. "Charlie's really happy, and I'm happy, so that's all that matters, right?" I nodded, feeling a surge of love and pride for my son. "Of course, sweetie," I said. "You two make each other happy, and that's all that matters to me." But as we sat there, chatting and laughing, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Nick seemed a little... distant, a little preoccupied. And when I asked him about school, he just shrugged and said that everything was fine. I made a mental note to keep a closer eye on him, to make sure that everything was okay. As a mother, it was my job to worry, and I was determined to be there for Nick, no matter what. As the evening drew to a close, Nick got up to go to his room, and I called out after him. "Nick, sweetie? Is everything okay? You seem a little... off." He turned back to me, a look of concern on his face. "I'm fine, Mum," he said. "Really. I just have a lot on my mind, that's all." I nodded, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. And as I watched him go to his room, I couldn't help but wonder what was going on, and how I could help him.