430 Separation

430 Separation (Jayden)

Henry is nestled in my arms, I've missed him so much. He's grown more, and it hasn't even been that long since I've been in London.

We're sitting in the farmhouse kitchen. Viktor leans against the countertop, arms folded, his expression calm but serious. Winona sits beside me, her fingers wrapped around a steaming mug of herbal tea that Klara made for her. She takes a sip, and I can tell she's nervous.

Klara steps forward, her gaze flicking between us. "This pregnancy is high-risk, even more so than before," she says, her voice steady and calm.

"Winona needs minimal stress, regular monitoring, and a stable environment. Any disruptions could be dangerous," she adds.

I cradle Henry closer, my heart pounding with fear for Winona and our unborn child.

My mind races. It's fragile. Another miracle. "What do we need to do to keep you both safe?

Winona takes a breath, her voice trembling slightly. "Klara and the doctors say it's about keeping a normal routine, keeping my blood pressure down, and avoiding stress as much as possible. Impossible with our lives, really." Klara places a gentle hand on Winona's shoulder. "Honestly, there are no guarantees that anything you do or don't do will make a difference. But it can't hurt to try for less stress."

"I agree. I want to know that I didn't actively seek out stressful situations."

I look at Viktor, whose eyes are focused and determined. "Stress never seems far away. But my mother is the key factor here" I say, my voice steady. "She's never going to stop unless I stop her." Viktor nods. "We'll make it happen, and I'll make sure you're protected."

Winona looks up at me, her eyes full of worry. "Let's hope it all happens easily. If I go back to the States, I think I'll feel better until all of this is over and I'll have Anne to help. If the worst does happen, I'll be in good hands."

I tighten my grip on Henry, feeling the fear behind that last sentence. "I know I'll feel better with you away from Judy. I'll stay here and keep her attention on me.

and we can check out long

then."

to the kids," I say. They deserve to know what's going on, even if it's only part of the truth." Winona's eyes widen with worry, but she nods.

nod, giving her a small, reassuring smile, then step outside. The sun hangs low in the

+25 BONUS

430 Separation

fields. Bobby, Sarah, and Abby are sitting under the

way over.

Abby reaches for my hand. I settle down at the wooden table with them, adjusting

happening, Dad?" Bobby

take a moment, looking at each of them. "Things are a bit complicated right now," I start, keeping my voice calm. "I might not be around as much for a while. I have to work in

go quick," I assure her. "I'll always be there for you, no matter what. Even if I can't be here in person all the time, I'll make sure you can reach me whenever you want. We can do vídeo

"But why do you have to go back to

her forehead. "Sometimes grown-ups have

okay. Look, you may be heading back home, the States with Mom

always make o

furrows. "Can't we just... be together? Why does

strong, just for a little while. I'll make sure you all have phones, so we can call or text anytime. We'll still be connected."

aches. "Promise," I say, my voice thick. "We're a family,

tell he's still worried. "And what about the cat?" he asks suddenly. "I don't

comes with us, wherever we go. And as for your projects, we'll find you somewhere in the States where you can go learn some more stuff. You're too talented to

a small

I say. "We'll figure it out,

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