Chapter 5. Tough Choices

Shawn stared at Cheryl, feeling the weight of his decision press down on him. He knew what he had to do, but deep down, he wanted to make a different choice, one that would benefit them all. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to do it.

He sighed and brushed his hands through his hair, feeling the tension build. "Let's talk when you're calm," he said, hoping that they could find a way out of this situation together.

But Cheryl wasn't done. "We have nothing to talk about, Boss," she said, her anger palpable. "I will never kill my child. And it's fine if you don't want to take responsibility, we'll do fine without you."

Shawn's heart sank. He knew that this was going to be a difficult conversation, but he hadn't expected it to be this hard. He struggled to find the right words to say, to make Cheryl understand that he wasn't shirking his responsibilities.

"Cheryl, I..." he started, but she cut him off.

"Leave, Boss," Cheryl said, almost in a whisper.

Shawn felt his frustration and helpl