iltered the light, and the hum of the mini-fridge buzzed like a bad memory. Kelly sat o

e ye

had taken to build a life in hiding. To pro

lankets. His breathing was shallow, but steady. Kelly looked at him-h

come back t

ck because ti

a pillow that was too big for him, skin pale, an IV line snaking from his arm like a threat.

hispered when

orehead. "Hey, sweetheart. I

arely audible.

froze o

y," she said carefull

don't l

ened. "No, baby.

y he nev

How could she tell him that his father-the only man

softly. "He doesn't know..

his mouth, the question still in his ey

fted off, and only then d

the hallway. His face told her

anel again," he said. "Stil

odded,

o bring in

," she w

e," the doctor said.

cked. "You think I don't want to te

ut saving

handing him over to a man who could tear our

didn't understand-but also

in the bathroom mirror. She barely recognized herself anymore. Beh

the same man she'd

on the beach. He was colder now. Sharper. Sti

d out the truth too soon, he could take everything f

e waited

ht lose