a P

ging interrupted the nightmare. The door burst open. It was Nu

with horror as she took in the scene: Leo crumpled on the flo

tie, are you all right?" Then she looked up at Ca

n. His hand, still r

asped, pushing myself up despite the throbbi

She held up a small, crumpled piece of paper. "It was tucked un

s snake. He recoiled, then slowly, hesitantly, too

jaw sagged. His hand, which had jus

ed, a horrified realizat

irens wailed, c

, scoffed. "What is it, darling? Ano

sob, gently scooped Leo into his arms. He looked at Leo's bruised face, his swollen arm, the

done?" He held him close, rocking him gently. Leo whimper

gency room. We need a trauma team for Leo, immediately." She then turned a withering

t? No! I'm not staying! I'm unwell! Calvin

ed at Georgia, truly looked at her, and the facade crumbled. The del

did this. You lied. You manipulated me." He took a st

lvin, darling, I... I don't know what you're talking about! My head

ing in the room. "Get out! Get out of m

ked at the weeping Georgia. "Madam, any further dramatics will be considered resis

then to me, a flash of pure, unadulterated venom. She

o follow the nurses as they prepare

I took a wild swing, my hand co

at me, his eyes filled with a desperate, pleading look.

crazy bitch! You think you can get away with this? You

cting with her face before she could touch me. A s

ed, his voice strained. "Get her a

ase. Give me another chance. I'll make it right. I swear to God, I'll make her pay

e papers, signed and filed just hours ago, were already makin

," I said, my voice fl

ng from his face once more.

antees me full custody. You forfeited any cla

ned his mouth, but no sound came

ou sow, Calvin. You chose her. You chose your grief. You

wheeling Leo out. Calvin tried to take

your son's mother or your son at this

calling Leo's name, his voice raw with de

ad made all the arrangements. A private ambulan

in Leo's new private room, was my phone. A dozen mi

the life we could have had. For the boy who had once looked a

g in his regret. He deserved