Long while

Trent's POV

From the expre ssion on her face, I knew the call was a serious one.

I watched Alina pace as she made hasty enquiries in her supermom mode. She looked admirable doing this. Who would imagine that this woman, despite all the pain she constantly relives every day, could still take charge when it came to her son?

"But nothing was wrong with him this morning! He was actively protesting not to want to go to school. Please, take him to the hospital, I'll be right there."

She sighed and ran her hand through her hair.

One look at me and I knew she was using her best effort to keep herself from crumpling into a puddle of tears.

"It's Niguez. Something's wrong," she said as she stood still for the first time in a while. "I- I have to go."

She lunged for the door that led back into the building.

I held her back by her wrist and looked purposefully into her eyes.

"Breathe, Alina. He'll be fine. Niguez is a strong one, just like you."

She closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath.