HAYDEN
Eden's mum takes another step towards me. She looks so much like her. When she's close enough, she reaches down and cups my bruised, bleeding face in both hands.
Her palms are soft and motherly.
I close my eyes.
She doesn't speak at first. She just holds me there, her thumbs brushing gently over the swelling on my cheekbone. When she finally does speak, her voice is thick with tears.
"You hurt my baby," she whispers.
"I know."
"You broke her heart."
"I know."
She's crying harder now, her shoulders shaking.
"But you're here," she says. "On your knees. Bleeding and begging. Most men would have run."
I swallow hard.
"I'm done running."
She lets out a long, shaky breath. Then she leans down and presses the softest kiss to my forehead.
"Get up," she whispers. "Get up and go
