Chapter 22-His Promise: "I Won’t Leave"

Katelyn’s POV A dull pain throbbed in my head as I slowly woke up. The sharp smell of disinfectant filled my nose, and the soft beep of a heart monitor echoed in the quiet room. I blinked against the bright lights, my mind struggling to piece together what had happened. And then it hit me—the gunshots. The shattered car window. The screech of tires as the vehicle spiraled out of control. Lucas. Panic surged through me, sharp and overwhelming. My heart raced as I tried to sit up, only to be met with a searing pain in my side. I glanced down and saw the IV needle embedded in my arm. With trembling fingers, I tore it out, ignoring the sting. “Lucas!” I croaked, my voice raw with desperation. A soft, calming voice interrupted my panic. “Ms. Katelyn, please relax. Your son is right here.” I turned my head sharply and saw him—my sweet, precious Lucas, lying in the bed beside mine. His small face was peaceful in sleep, a bandage wrapped around his forehead. Relief and pain hit me at