Christine

(August 2025 — 9 months after I left)

"I have to ask," Evelina says, her voice soft but unwavering as she shifts Cameron in her arms, rocking him like she's done it a million times. "Are you sure about this? Going back to him?"

I lift my mimosa and take a measured sip, letting the citrus bite linger in the back of my throat.

I don't really drink anymore—not since I became the only person standing between my son and the rest of the world. But sleep has ...