BENITA

I’ve never felt better. When Rose returned, I thought it was really over, and for the first time in forever, I felt like I was home.

I gently stroked his hair, my fingers tracing the lines of his forehead. With a soft touch, I patted his back, the rhythmic motion calming his tense muscles. As he settled into the pillow, his eyelids began to droop, and his breathing slowed.

"Sleep tight," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

As I stood up to leave, he dragged me back, and I fell on ...