~ELENA~

I freeze, my heart slamming against my ribcage.

That voice… it's soft.

Familiar.

Trembling.

I slowly turn around, and there she is.

My mom.

She stands a few feet away in her nightgown, barefoot, arms folded tightly like she's trying to hold herself together.

Her eyes are wide with concern, and maybe… guilt.

“Elena,” she says again, stepping closer. “I…I heard what happened. Are you hurt?”

I stare at her.

This woman.

This woman who promised to always protect ...