The sun filtered softly through the blinds, casting striped shadows over the room. Serena sat at the edge of Leo’s hospital bed, smoothing his blanket, trying her best to look composed.
But her son’s eyes were far too observant for his age.
"Momma…" Leo's voice broke the silence, soft and uncertain. "Why didn’t you ever tell me about him before?"
Serena froze, her fingers stiffening over the fabric.
Leo’s voice was small, hesitant. "Did he… Did he leave because he didn’t want us?"
Her heart shattered—clean, silent cracks.
She tried to smile, but it trembled at the edges. “Some stories are too heavy for children, baby,” she said gently.
Leo looked down, his lashes casting little shadows on his cheeks. “I’m not a baby.”
"No,” Serena said, brushing his hair back. “You’re not.”
And th
