Minutes later, Oceano emerged from the hallway, her eyes puffy from crying. She looked at me, and for a moment, I saw the anger and fear in her gaze. But then it was gone, replaced with a weary resignation. "Thanks," she murmured, her voice hoarse.
I nodded, unable to find the right words. For a while, we sat in silence, the only sounds the sizzle of the stove and the rain against the windows---it was a strange, awkward dance we did, each of us trying to navigate the new reality of our lives.
Leo came bouncing into the room, his eyes lighting up when he saw me. "Crow," he called, running over. I scooped him up, his warm little body a balm to my soul.
"Morning, buddy," I said, forcing a smile.
He leaned in, whispering, "Is Mommy okay?"
"Yeah," I said, my voice gruff. "Mommy's okay."
M
