461 Packages

(Winona)

It's been hours since Lisa shut herself in her bedroom

I knock softly. "Lisa? It's me."

No answer.

I crack the door open, peeking inside. The room is dim, lit only by the faint glow of her bedside lamp. She's curled up on the bed, facing the wall, her body still.

"Lisa," I say softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "Can I get you a tea, or coffee?"

Her voice comes out muffled, raw. "I can't, Winona. Not now."

She turns her head slightly, her eyes red and swollen. "He didn't even let me help him. Those last few days...were so perfect, why couldn't he see how perfect they were?"

I reach out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Lance loved you. I know he did. But we know the pain he always carried."

She shakes her head violently. "If he loved me, he wouldn't have done this! He wouldn't have left me like this."

Her words dissolve into sobs, and I gather her into my arms. She clings to me, her grief pouring out unchecked. "I know," I whisper. "I know."

For what feels like an eternity, we sit there, her tears soaking into my shoulder. I let her cry, let her release the pain that may never heal for her. When her sobs quiet to soft sniffles, she pulls back, wiping her face with her sleeve. "I don't even know what to do now," she murmurs. "You take it one step at a time," I say gently. "You let yourself grieve, and you lean on the people who love you."

"How is Jayden?"

I hesitate. "He's... struggling. Cass and Viktor are with him now. He's not ready to face everything yet."

her head, her voice trembling. "Why? Why wasn't I enough

enough, Lisa. This isn't about you. Lance made this choice for him." Her lips tremble, and she squeezes her eyes shut. "I

"I'm so sorry."

sit with her until her breathing evens out, her exhaustion finally pulling her into a restless sleep. I slip

looking at houses today and she'll need somewhere to go with

I say, my voice shaking. "Anne, I... I can't leave Lisa right now. She's... not okay. We are supposed to go house hunting today,

softly. "What do

back to the penthouse? I think it's best for them to be home. There's still all their stuff there, and

repeats, a hint of

say. "We don't have to convince Judy we're separated. Ironically enough, we probably actually are. But the penthouse has been home for the kids, and they need

I have checkups and scans tomorrow. I'll be

see you

come be with the

"No problem."

called home for so many nights, not being able to fully commit to

just

***

the

say gently, standing

answer, just leans against the counter, staring down at

startles both of us. I glance at Lisa, but she doesn't move, so I go to answer

Brennan?" he asks, reading the label on

is a package for me at Lisa's place?

"Yes."

addressed to Lisa and the other to me.

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