I have two options. Either I return to his side, or I live pretending he's going to be fine.

I know which I'm going to live regretting for the rest of my life. I will not thread down that path. 

" I have to go back," I muttered. " I need to see him. Piper, I can not stay back when he's in a hospital. I was never there for him. But if I don't go back now, how will he see this mother of his in the future?"

" I understand," Piper said and rubbed my shoulders. " I understand," he repeated. "You ...