“M–Mommy?” Brandon’s voice cracked with emotion as he stared in disbelief at Rachael, who was sitting up in her hospital bed, a weak but warm smile gracing her lips.“I’ll take my leave,” the nurse said softly, sensing the emotion in the room. She quietly exited, giving them privacy.Though Rachael looked pale and fragile, her eyes sparkled with joy. “Mommy!” Brandon cried and immediately ran to her, throwing himself into her arms. He sobbed into her chest, his small hands clutching her gown.“I missed you so much, honey,” Rachael whispered, her voice trembling as she held him tightly, trying to fight back her own tears.The days she’d spent in captivity with Fred had been the darkest of her life. The fear, the helplessness, the constant dread, it had nearly broken her. But this moment: this simple, pure embrace with her son was worth surviving for. Her heart felt whole again.“Promise me, Mom,” Brandon said, hiccupping between tears. “Promise me you’ll never leave me again.”Rachael
Last Updated : 2025-05-09 Read more