"—so that's why it's important I go do this alone," I said to Autumn. I didn't look at her as I spoke, focusing instead on the metal teeth of my suitcase as I pulled the zipper shut. The sound was loud in the quiet bedroom, echoing like a final decision.
"But still, I want to come with you. I don't feel comfortable letting you fight for me while I stay here," she said. Her voice was small, but I could hear the stubbornness in it. She was standing by the bed, her hands twisting together.
I stopped what I was doing and looked at her. I could see the worry etched into her face, the way her eyes searched mine for any sign of doubt.
"Look, we can't take Finn. One of us has to stay and take care of him," I explained. It was the logical choice, the only choice. We couldn't drag a child into th
