章 66: HOME

"Mom..." I whispered, voice breaking as I wrapped my arms around her. Maybe I was just imagining it, but she felt smaller somehow, like she'd shrunk in just the week I'd been gone. Her frame was fragile, almost delicate. Her face looked worn and hollow, her eyes sunken with dark circles beneath, cheekbones sharp and pronounced.

"My baby..." she murmured, burying her face against my chest. She clung to me as we stepped into the living room, her fingers trembling slightly. I could feel my own tears welling up, so I tried to hold them back, not wanting her to see.

"I missed you," I said, pulling away just enough to look at her, but the words came out rough, barely a whisper.

She reached up, cupping my face with her cold, dry hands. "I'm sorry, Chester… we’re so, so sorry." Her voice was choked as she tried to steady herself. We sat down on the couch together, close, but I couldn't bring myself to look directly at her.

I took a quick glance around. "Where’s Dad?"