Daphne POV | “Home in Ruins”

“How do you protect a child when the world keeps turning to ash?”

The hospital corridors smelled like bleach and sleeplessness.

Every step echoed too loud. Every fluorescent light hummed like it knew something I didn’t.

Christian’s fingers were locked in mine as we followed the nurse down the hall. He didn’t ask questions; he just clutched his stuffed bear tighter, eyes wide and glassy. I’d told him his father was hurt but okay.

That ...