Chapter 24-Her Indifference to His Amends

Katelyn’s POV The day Lucas was discharged from the hospital should have brought me relief. But instead, it felt like another weight pressing on my chest. He clung to my hand, his little fingers wrapping around mine with all the strength he had. His eyes, wide and glassy, stared up at me, full of silent pleading. “Mommy, can’t I stay with you?” he whispered, his voice trembling. My heart ached. I wanted nothing more than to pull him back into the bed, hold him close, and never let him go. But I knew it wasn’t safe. After everything that had happened—the threats, the gunshots—I couldn’t risk it. “Baby,” I said softly, brushing his hair back from his forehead, “I’ll be out in just two days. I’ll come see you all the time. I promise.” His bottom lip quivered, and I could see the tears welling in his eyes. My strong little boy, trying so hard to be brave. “But… I don’t want to go without you,” he whispered. I swallowed hard, forcing a smile onto my face even though my heart felt lik