It makes me feel… small and infinite in the same moment. For a second, all my worries and concerns fade and my life is put in perspective.
Nothing else matters except Esme.
Nothing else matters but the child she’s carrying.
Maybe my purpose in life is the two of them.
For the first time since the Bratva takeover, I see myself walking away from it all.
I see myself relinquishing control over to Budimir, whether he deserves it or not.
I see myself living somewhere quiet and peaceful, where our children can grow up safe and normal, untouched by the violence and loss that has plagued both of us our entire lives.
I lean into the image, truly tasting it for the first time and not turning away in shame.
“Esme,” I whisper, just because I want to.
She smiles. “He’s saying hi to his papa.”
