JAMES

She had fallen asleep in my arms, her heartbeat steady. I placed a gentle kiss on her head. Oh, Stella. She looked so weak and tired, yet still refused to go home.

It almost felt like she cared more about my mother than I did. My eyes drifted to the bed where my mother lay, and all I wanted was for her to open her eyes and say something—anything.

I leaned my head back as sleep slowly started to take over. Just the way Stella held me made me feel safe. She was my hope.

“Mr. ...