long shadows across the floor. Kiley was spoon-feeding Jules some apple

up, expecting a nurse. Instead, Ad

nd Roy Nielsen. Bertie was wearing a loud floral dress, her lips pursed like she had s

ed mid-air. "What a

rabbed Kiley's free hand, her grip surprisingly strong

r eyes narrowing at Aden. He leaned against t

e chair with a grunt. "You walked out on a good man

ey said, her voice shakin

You've always been too sensitive. A man works hard, he needs a peaceful

ed at her mother, the woman who had raised her

ey. "He gave you everything. A house, clothes, a life. You shou

w the tears in her eyes. He dropped

down, his face close to Jules's, his voice a low, cold whisper.

ack, his eyes fi

en him and the bed like a shield. "Get away from hi

sive. This is exactly what I'm talking ab

one being the punching bag. She

low and dangerous. She looked straight at her parents. "It's not

. Bertie's mouth fel

den growled, takin

t her phone. "His college girlfriend. She move

showed them the picture of the d

nned this for months. He's leaving me with nothi

en I suspected he was cheating. I hadn't checked it until this morning." She pressed play, and the recording

from Aden's face.

n Aden. His face was red with anger.

added, her voice shrill. "I told the ne

she was hurt. They weren't upset because Jules

" Kiley whispered, the truth fin

t you have to be practical, Kiley. You're

her voice cutting through the room. "And I o

. All of you. This is my son's ro

just-" Ro

from her throat. "Security is right dow

e had lost this round. He straigh

Kiley said. "F

o give Kiley one last look of disgust. "You'r

hind them. The silence i

leaving her body. She felt hollow. Empty. But also,

all arms around her neck. "It's oka

ling silently into his hospital gow