All Chapters of SLEEPING NEXT TO A STRANGER : Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

LILIAN POV My heart pounded rhythmically against my chest while her words lingered between us as a fragile thread I hesitated to touch. A family. The words replayed over and over in my head but they carried a strange and unfamiliar weight. She spoke about family as if her past actions hadn’t shattered everything. I looked at Nina and noticed a brief flash in her eyes that evoked feelings of vulnerability and regret, possibly revealing truth. My mind desperately searched for a logical thread to make sense of the tangled mess she had created. But there was nothing. No easy answers. “A family?” I repeated her with a quivering voice that betrayed my disbelief. Do you really believe this is what our relationship represents now? After everything you’ve done?” Nina lowered her eyes and moved toward me as she paused before continuing her speech. “I know it sounds crazy. I’m aware that I have no justification to speak after everything that has happened. Those words were true.” She stoppe

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. You are

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

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’s POV The kitchen smelled warm with the cooking of dinner. Nothing too fancy, but something that would make everyone feel full. I’d done everything just right: Morel’s vegetables, Drew’s steak, and Lilian’s cake. I hoped that perhaps it would settle things. We had been quiet all day, all because of Drew, and him being so distant in his own head. Morel chuckled at his mashed potatoes. Drew savored his steak and Lily looked as usual with a quiet look in her eyes. But she didn’t say much. There was something heavy around us, but we weren’t talking about it, really. Then, as I went to cut into my own food, there was a knock, knock from the front door. I froze. The silence broke. Drew didn’t hear it, either. He was so deep in his thoughts and didn’t see his steak as he ate it. I heard the tension rise. I directed my gaze first at him then at the door. “Take a look,” I said, trying not to reveal my nervousness with my normal voice yet my voice came out shaky. Drew didn’t even l