71 #Do I trust him?

I smiled sadly as I walked away, not being able to watch my world crumble in front of my eyes. It was as if a part of me was being torn apart, knowing that there was nothing I could do to stop it. The weight of the situation settled heavily on my shoulders, leaving me with a sense of helplessness and despair.

I walked to my kids room, hoping to find solace in their presence and the innocence of their laughter. As I entered their room, the sight of their peaceful slumber brought a fleeting moment of respite from the chaos outside. I sat beside them, cherishing the warmth and comfort they brought, momentarily forgetting the impending turmoil that awaited me.

I caressed their hair and whispered words of love and reassurance, hoping to shield them from the pain that I knew was coming.

"Marline," I mumbled under my breath, feeling the weight of responsibility and fear intensify. I closed my eyes, trying to gather strength and find a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that surrounded us.

"