The room stayed still for a heartbeat longer, the quiet stretching between them like the calm before a storm. Every pair of eyes lingered on Jaime, the weight of his words settling in their chests.
Maya’s throat tightened, a lump forming, but she didn’t look away.
Jaime’s gaze dropped for a fleeting second, as if gathering every ounce of courage in his chest. Then he lifted his eyes, locking onto Maya with a steadiness that belied the tremor in his voice. Tears shimmered at the edges of his lashes, but his determination burned brighter.
“Remember what you always tell me?” he whispered, voice thick with emotion. “That Mom and Dad are always watching over us… that they’re keeping us safe. I believe it, May. I really do. So… don’t worry, okay? I’ll be fine.”
He let the words hang, giving
