Leo was still sobbing uncontrollably. His voice trembled as he cried out. "Mommy, please hold me... I don't wanna go..." His tiny face was beet red, tears streaming down and drenching his shirt.
Candy couldn't bear to see him like this. Leaning closer to Claire, she whispered, "Claire, what are we supposed to do now?"
Though her heart ached, Claire steeled herself, refusing to break. Taking a deep breath, she calmly bent down and scooped Leo into her arms. Her voice was steady, each word sharp and unyielding. "Leo, you've got to calm down. Crying won't fix this, okay?"
Leo lifted his tear-streaked face, his eyes wide and pleading. "Mommy, I'll stop crying, I promise. Don't make me leave, please?"
Claire stayed silent, her only response the gentle, rhythmic pats on his back.
Leo sniffl
