ColeBefore I can even process what’s happening, Mother’s out of her chair and rushing toward me, her face draining of all color.“Cole, oh my God, Cole!” She’s beside me now, her hands trembling over my shoulders, my back, like she doesn’t know where to touch. “Are you okay? Can you breathe? Should I call an ambulance?”I manage to cough again, harder this time, and the food dislodges. Air rushes back into my lungs and I take a shaky breath, my eyes watering.“I’m fine,” I rasp, my voice hoarse. “I’m fine, Mother. I just—”She isn’t listening. She’s visibly shaking now, her hands unsteady as she cups my face, her eyes wide and glassy with unshed tears.“You’re not fine,” she murmurs, her voice cracking. “You were choking. What if? You could have—”Her breath hitches, and suddenly she’s crying. Full, body-wracking sobs that make her whole frame wobble.“Mother—”“I can’t lose you,” she chokes out, her grip on my face tightening. “I can’t lose you too, Cole. I can’t. I already lost you
Last Updated : 2026-01-17 Read more