Page 120 of Broken & Bound

“They were supposed to be safe with me. And they weren’t. I was right. I wasn’t meant to be a mum.”

The last of my truth escaped on a whisper. The fragile dam behind my eyes broke, giving way to my grief. The heavy, rapid track of tears scalded my cheeks, soaking everything it touched.

My vision washed away everything, blurring Mum’s face. It distorted her into pale skin and created a watercolor of shadows. A loud, ugly sob forced its way past my lips.

My shoulders shook as a massive, uncontrollable wave took over my entire body. I hid my face in the curve of my mum’s neck until exhaustion took me under.

Marcel-Two days later

Mrs. Caruso met me just outside Isabella’s hospital room. She looked beyond exhausted. Isabella’s suffering had taken a toll. It had sunk into her bones. The poor woman refused to leave other than to shower, change, and rush right back.

“Thank you for coming,” she whispered.

“How is she?”

A sad smile crossed her face before disappearing just as quickly.

“Physically, the doctors are pleased with her progress.”

“Emotionally?”

Her eyes filled immediately. “She barely speaks. It’s like before…”

I nodded slowly. This was Isabella. I wasn’t the slightest bit surprised by this. I understood from the haunted look in Martina’s eyes that she was afraid Bella was regressing.

I turned my attention back to specifics I could help with.

“Has she been eating?”

“A little. Mainly to shut the staff up and not get a feeding tube placed.”

“Sleeping?”

“They’re helping with that.”

“And the nightmares?”

She hesitated. “She wakes up screaming and crying.”

My jaw tightened. From what I knew, she still refused to see anyone in the family. Martina was the only one allowed past the door.

“She still won’t see Pasha. The poor boy is gutted in every way. Same as her.”

“I know. I’ve been to see him. It’s understandable.”

“She’s convinced she failed him.”

My heart twisted.

“I’d like to spend a little time with her, if she’s willing.”

Mrs. Caruso nodded and patted my hand. “I’ll tell her you’re here.”

She disappeared into the room and returned a minute later, her shoulders slumped in quiet defeat. One hand lingered on the doorknob as though she wasn’t quite ready to let go of it. She opened her mouth, closed it again, then offered me the smallest shake of her head.

I offered her a reassuring smile. “Did she say no?”

Mrs. Caruso slowly shook her head. “She just looked away from me and sighed. That’s all.”