Chapter 4

Leo stood by the door, watching me pack my suitcase.

I could be ruthless with Julian.

But facing my son, whom I had carried for nine months, I wavered.

There weren't many things to pack, anyway. I put items in, then took them out, agonizing for over an hour.

I knelt before him, gently stroking his soft, little cheek.

For the first time, he didn't swat my hand away.

I asked softly, "Do you want to come with Mommy?"

Leo's eyes sparkled, but he asked me in return, "Are you leaving? If you leave, are you never coming back?"

My…