KIERAN'S POV
I watched Sera like a hawk.
Just watched the steady rise and fall of Sera's chest like it held the secrets of the universe.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I fished it out with my other hand, not wanting to let go of Sera's. Daniel.
"Dad, how's Mom? Is her vacation over yet?"
I'd told him Sera was away on an exclusive, immersive OTS training retreat—a necessary lie to spare him guilt and fear. To my surprise, the usually intuitive boy hadn't pressed. Or perhaps he'd chosen to buy my words.
I glanced at Sera's sleeping face. "She's getting better. You'll see her soon."
The relief in his small sigh was palpable. "Okay. Tell her I'm being good for Grandma. I won't wander off again. Promise."
I nodded, though he couldn't see it, and ended the call shortly after.
Then, S
