I nod.
“Just get some rest, and by the time you wake up, I’ll be cuddled right beside you.”
“Yes.”
His gaze drops to my mouth. He wants another kiss. I can tell.
He takes it. And it’s like a goodbye wrapped in love.
When he pulls back, he stands again, turning back to the dresser.
This time, he grabs the white shirt and buttons it up over the vest. Like if he looks calm enough, death will hesitate.
His phone buzzes somewhere behind him, dragging him back to reality.
And at the exact same time, my phone rings beside me.
MOM.
My stomach twists.
Drago’s eyes flick to the screen, his expression shifting instantly into cold assessment.
I swallow hard and answer. “Hi, Mom.”
“Lily!” she says brightly, too bright for this early. “I’m heading back home today.”
I blink. “Home?”
“Yes. I’ve had some cleaning jobs come in,” she says, like it’s exciting news, like she’s proud of herself. “And I thought… maybe we could do lunch?”
My throat tightens.
Lunch.
Normal. Casual. A mother and daughter moment.
In the middle of a day that feels like a countdown.
“I can’t today,” I say softly, trying to keep it gentle. “I’m really busy.”
There’s a pause.
“Oh,” she says, voice dropping into something wounded. “Busy.”
I close my eyes for a second. “I’m sorry. I just… I don’t feel very well either. I think I’ve got the flu.”
Another pause.
Then she sighs, like I’ve disappointed her without even trying. Maybe it would have been nice to speak to my mom aboutthis. I could work out where she got it wrong to make sure I don’t ever do that to my own kid.
“This is my last day here, Lily,” she says quietly. “I thought… I thought you wanted me in your life again.”
My chest tightens. “I do,” I whisper.
“I don’t know when I’ll next be able to visit,” she continues, softer now, turning it into something that sounds like heartbreak. “I’m trying, Lily. I’m trying so hard to be your mom again. And it feels like you don’t even want me.”
That guilt hits instantly. Because I do want her in my life. Or at least, I’m trying to rebuild something.
