Lilian’s POV The house was quiet after breakfast. Drew left for the study to retrieve his bag while Laurel was cleaning the table accompanied by her gentle humming. I entered my room briefly to look at my phone screen. And there it was. A single message. Unknown Number. > “Because he left me… he will suffer.” My fingers tightened around the phone. As I tried to understand the text message a second one appeared on my phone. > “Watch what happens at his office.” The words on the screen made my stomach coil in discomfort. This wasn’t a prank. This was personal. And it was meant for me. I hurried back to the hallway where I almost bumped into Laurel. “Mom?” she asked, eyes wide. “What’s wrong?” I demanded his location as I pushed past her to reach him. “He’s by the door. He was just leaving—” I hurried to the entryway. “Drew!” He turned mid-step, briefcase in hand. “Yeah?” “Don’t go,” I said, breathless. “You need to see this. Now.” I handed him the phon
DREW POV Warm golden sunlight poured into the bed the next morning and gently wakened me. I blinked slowly while I reached across the bed searching instinctively for her warmth. But the sheets were cool. She wasn’t there. I sat up, rubbing my eyes. I looked toward the door which was half open and whispered to myself “She’s already awake.” “Early again.” I brushed my fingers through my hair while my body settled into the quiet morning atmosphere. There was no panic, no suspicion anymore. Not like in those first few days. I no longer paid attention to her minor changes such as her towel-folding method, her tea stirring instead of coffee, and the way she spoke my name with newfound gentleness. The accident was the explanation for all that I observed. The trauma. The memory gaps. The healing. After I embraced that truth something inside me found relief. I had her back. I had them back—Laurel, Morel, our home. The situation wasn't flawless but it held enough authenticity. At t
NINA I gently told Drew “It’s okay, darling” before closing the bedroom door. Putting your energy into restful sleep should be your main priority. You're back from work now but perhaps you’d prefer to consider it as a retreat or something different altogether. Drew placed his bag down gently at the bed's foot while releasing a soft chuckle. “Yes, my love. After validating my words he took both my hands in his grip and turned his eyes toward me. “I love you.” My heart fluttered painfully. With bittersweet sensations in my mouth I responded "I love you too." He pressed his forehead against mine and then kissed my cheek. “I’ve missed you so much,” he whispered. Running my fingers through his hair gently let me fully grasp his meaning. “I’ve missed you too.” He turned his head to glance down the hallway. Lilian stayed behind at her station where shadows gathered while she observed our silent interaction. Her stare met mine and conveyed a silent warning about the unspoken weig
The smallest turn of Lilian's head allowed me to see a sharp glint in her eye which wrapped her worry in something much deeper and heavier. Will he understand that?" she questioned with her tone wavering between uncertainty and hope. Laurel represented everything for him so he constructed his entire world around her. Around you.” The truth settled inside me like lead as I quietly whispered, “I know.” I never intended to take those things away from him. My intentions were never about causing destruction upon arrival. I entered this situation without any understanding of what I would encounter. The extent of pretending felt like an unknown expense to me until I discovered its true cost. Her face became fully visible to me as the pale blue shadows created sharp contours across her features. “And what about Morel?” she asked. “Do you think he’ll understand too?” I hesitated. That question cut deeper than the rest. “I don’t know,” I said again, quietly. I prefer he hates me for my h
NINA A pounding sensation filled my chest while I walked toward the door. I needed to find him. I needed to fix this. Morel was my son yet I felt completely unprepared to let him leave my life despite everything. Not now. Not ever. As I moved down the stairs each step produced an echoing sound throughout the hallway. The house turned silent and cold which created a heavy burden for me. The sound of Morel's earlier laughter resonated while his gentle voice called out to me. But now, everything was so different. As I entered the living room I discovered him huddled on the couch hiding his face in his hands while silent tears flowed from his eyes. The sight of him broke me. My heart fragmented to reveal all the hidden emotions I kept locked inside. My hands moved without control so I approached him cautiously. I was uncertain about what words to say first and how to start but needed to stop his suffering. "Morel," I whispered, my voice barely audible. When he raised his eyes to
LILIAN POV His bottom lip shook as he shook his head from side to side to express his refusal. I realize I need Grandma's love once more in my life. "I know how you feel, baby," I whispered while drawing him closer. "I know. People often follow paths which remain outside our understanding. Even as we commit ourselves to self-care we never stop loving them. Understand that I am present with you now and I am committed to staying here with you. We’ll get through this together." Even though Morel ceased crying his face remained sad and baffled. My eyes met his while a gentle kiss touched his forehead. "You’re so strong, Morel. Your bravery fills me with immense pride. This problem will be resolved by working through each step in order. He continued to have tears on his face but he nodded his head slightly while his eyes shifted noticeably. A glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes while he began to believe my words. "I want to stay with you, Grandma. Please." "You can, sweetheart. Yo