He blinked once, then he adjusted slightly, turning his body more toward mine. “Your mother,” he repeated gently. “What about her?” 

I stared at the sheet beneath my hand, running a finger over the fabric. “I… miss her.” 

Silence hung between us. 

“I know she’s alive,” I continued, my voice soft but trembling. “And I know she’s somewhere out there, but… it feels like she doesn’t exist anymore. Like she disappeared along with the life I used to have.” 

Scott ...