CoverImageDetails: The cover image showcases Shane sitting on the rusty swing, looking determined and protective. He is surrounded by a halo of sunlight, symbolizing hope. Emilia is seen in the background, holding Shay's hand, with a concerned expression. Keith stands in the distance, his smug face partially obscured by shadows, representing the tension in the story.

CharacterDetails:
- Shane: A 13-year-old boy with scruffy brown hair, tanned skin, and a sad expression. He's wearing a basketball jersey and shorts.
- Emilia: A woman in her late 20s, with long brown hair, fair skin, and visible bruises. She's wearing a loose dress and a worried expression.
- Shay: A toddler with curly brown hair and bright blue eyes, wearing a blue onesie and giggling happily.
- Keith: A man in his early 30s, with dark hair, scruffy beard, and a smug expression. He's wearing a casual t-shirt and jeans.

Happier with Me

Shane, a teenager who yearns for the love and attention of his mother, discovers her presence at the park with her fiancé and their child. Determined to protect her, Shane reaches out to his estranged father for help.

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a woman and a child sitting on a swing in a park, with trees in the background and a fenced in area, sots art, a storybook illustration, Everett Warner, comic cover art

Shane sat on the rusty swing, watching his mother Emilia push his half-brother Shay on the baby swing. His heart ached as he watched them, missing the times when it had just been him and his mom.

a couple of people standing next to each other in a room with a window and a picture on the wall, vancouver school, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, comic cover art

Shane's eyes lingered on his mom's bruised face. His heart twisted in pain as he realized how much she had changed over the years. The woman who once cuddled him to sleep was now a shadow of her former self.

two men standing on a basketball court with a crowd watching them from the sidelines of the court, one holding a basketball, serial art, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, graphic novel

Keith, Emilia's fiancé, walked up to Shane, interrupting his thoughts. He smirked, throwing a basketball towards Shane. Shane caught it, his gaze never leaving Keith's face.

a man with a beard and a beard in a blue shirt with a black vest on and a red and orange background, serial art, a character portrait, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), character portrait

Keith's dismissive attitude towards him fueled Shane's anger. He gritted his teeth, rolling his eyes at Keith's audacity to dismiss him like he was some insignificant stranger.

a man and a woman standing in the street with a car behind them and a house in the background, american realism, a comic book panel, Clark Voorhees, graphic novel

Emilia looked at Shane with pleading eyes, asking if Keith could give him a lift home. Shane refused, determined not to give Keith the satisfaction of acting like a father figure.

a man and a boy holding a basketball in a park with trees in the background and a basketball in the foreground, sots art, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, graphic novel

Suddenly, a man walked into the park. Shane's heart leapt as he recognized his father. He hadn't seen him in years, but his features were as familiar as ever.

a man and a woman are looking at something in the distance, with a man looking at the woman, serial art, a comic book panel, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), comic cover art

Shane shouted for help, claiming that Keith was hitting Emilia. His dad rushed over, looking at Emilia and Shane in shock. Shane felt a glimmer of hope as his dad acknowledged him.

a man and a woman sitting on a couch in a living room with a lamp on the wall behind them, american scene painting, a comic book panel, Clark Voorhees, graphic novel

Shane looked at his dad, eyes pleading for help. He didn't want to see his mom getting hurt anymore. He wanted his dad to step in and protect her, just like the old times.

two men walking down a street next to a car and a building with a clock on it's side, american scene painting, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

His dad looked back at him, his eyes reflecting the same pain that Shane felt. He nodded, making a silent promise to Shane. It was a promise of protection, a promise of a better future.

a man and a woman hugging each other in a cartoon style, with a tree in the background and a house in the background, sots art, a comic book panel, Everett Warner, official art

Shane felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that his dad would make everything right again. And for the first time in a long time, Shane felt hopeful about the future.

two men standing next to each other on a basketball court with a crowd of people watching them from the sidelines, serial art, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, graphic novel

He watched as his dad walked over to Emilia, his face filled with determination. Shane knew that this was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. And he was ready to face whatever came next.

a man and a woman sitting next to each other in a living room with a window behind them and a painting on the wall, sots art, a comic book panel, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), kinkade

As Shane watched his parents reunite, he felt a sense of closure. The pain of the past was slowly fading away, replaced by a newfound hope. He knew things were about to change for the better.

a man standing next to a young man in a basketball uniform in a locker room with other men in the background, serial art, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, graphic novel

Shane took one last look at Keith, his gaze filled with defiance. He was no longer afraid. He had his family back, and he was ready to fight for them, no matter what.

a boy with a backpack and a basketball in his hand standing on a path with mountains in the background, dau-al-set, a manga drawing, Adam Manyoki, color page

As he turned his back on Keith, Shane felt a surge of strength. He knew he had a long journey ahead of him, but he was ready to face it. After all, he wasn't alone anymore.

a boy walking down a road with a basketball in his hand and a basket in his hand, with the sun setting behind him, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, cgstudio

Shane walked away, leaving his past behind. He knew that the road ahead was not going to be easy, but he was ready. Because he knew that no matter what, he would always be happier with his family by his side.

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