Christina’s POV,
The door to my hospital room creaked open slowly, and for a moment, my heart raced. I knew it was them. I could feel it deep in my chest, the pull that only a mother could understand. The moment I saw their little faces peek through. everything else faded. the pain, the fear, the darkness that had threatened to swallow me whole. All that mattered was them.
“Ethan! Emily!” I breathed, my voice trembling with relief and overwhelming love.
They hesitated at the door, wide–eyed, unsure. Eihan, always the stronger one, was the first to step inside. His little hand gripped Emily’s, pulling her forward. Emily looked so fragile, her lower lip trembling as she clutched tightly to her brother. Her eyes were red, swollen, as though she’d been crying for hours.
My heart broke at the sight of them. I reached out, my arms aching to hold them, to reassure them that I was here. That I
was okay.
“Mommy Emily’s voice was small, weak, like she was afraid to speak too loudly, as though I might disappear if she did.
I forced the brightest smile I could manage. “Come here, my loves, I whispered, and that was all they needed.
They ran into my arms, crashing into me with all the force their small bodies could muster. I winced at the sharp pain that shot through my side, but I ignored it. I wrapped my arms around them, pulling them close, burying my face in their soft hair. The warmth of their bodies against mine was the most comforting thing I’d felt in days. I kissed the tops of their heads, breathing them in like they were my lifeline.
I’m here. I’m okay.” I whispered between kisses. “Mommy’s fine Everything’s okay now”
Emily was sobbing quietly, her little fingers clutching the fabric of my hospital gown. “We thought…” she hiccupped, unable to finish her sentence.
“Sshhh I soothed, rocking her gently in my arms. “I’m here now, baby. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
Ethan, though quieter, held me just as tightly. His face was buried against my chest, but I could feel the tension in his small frame. He wasn’t crying, but I knew how scared he had been. How hard he had tried to be strong for his sister.
I kissed his forehead, brushing his messy hair back from his face, “Ethan, sweetheart, you don’t have to be brave right now. It’s okay”
He pulled back just slightly, his big brown eyes meeting mine. They were filled with so much worry, so much fear, and heart clenched at the sight. “Mom, are you really okay?” he asked, his voice steady, but I could hear the doubt behind it.
I cupped his face, brushing my thumb across his cheek. “I’m fine, darling. I promise you, I’m okay. It’s all over now. Nothing’s going to happen to me.”
my
He nodded slowly, but I could see he wasn’t fully convinced. He was too smart for his age, always asking the tough questions, always needing answers. “But what about those bad people?” he asked, glancing over at the door, as if expecting them to burst in at any moment. “Are they gone?”
I swallowed, not wanting to scare him, but knowing I had to be honest. “Yes, Ethan. They’re gone. They can’t hurt me anymore. The police are taking care of everything.”
Emily sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve as she looked up at me with those big, teary eyes. “Why did they take you, Mommy? Did you do something bad?”
I felt my breath catch in my throat. God, how could I explain the to them without scaring them even more? I stroked her hair, my lingers trembling slightly. “No, sweetheart. I didn’t do anything bad. Sometimes sometimes bad people do bad things even when we don’t deserve it.
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18:17 Fri, Oct 18
Chapter 94
Emily’s lip quivered again, and I quickly pulled her closer, kissing her cheek. But you don’t have to worry about that. Mommy’s sale now. And I’m going to be with you. Always.”
She nodded against me, but I could feel her tiny hands still gripping me like she was afraid to let go.
Ethan’s eyes flicked to my bandages, his brow furrowing “Did they hurt you?”
65
”
I hesitated for a split second, then shook my head. “Not anymore, darling. I’m just a little sore, but I’ll be all better soon. I promise. I smiled again, hoping it would be enough to ease his Thind. But I could see the doubt lingering.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice quieter now, as if he didn’t really want to know the answer.
I leaned down, pressing a kiss to his forehead. Tim sure. Mommy’s tough. Remember how I told you I’m like a superhero?“.
He gave me a small smile at that, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Still, I could tell he wanted to believe me, even if he wasn’t sure how.
“I love you both so much,” I whispered, pulling them close again one arm wrapped around each of them. “And I’m never leaving you. Not ever
Emily sniffled again, pressing her face into my neck. “We were so scared, Mommy.”
Tears burned behind my eyes, but I forced them down. I had to be strong for them. “I know, baby. I know. But you don’t have to be scared anymore. I’m here. I’m safe. And we’re going to be just fine.”
Ethan hugged me tighter, his small hands clutching my arm like a lifeline. “Don’t let them take you again, Mom.
I kissed his temple, holding him just as tightly. “I won’t. I promise. Ethan. No one’s going to take me away from you”
We stayed like that for a long time, just holding each other, my heart beating in rhythm with theirs. For the first time in days. I felt a sense of peace wash over me. My babies were safe, and I was here with them.
No matter wha
t happened, I wouldn’t let anyone take that away from us again.
