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."

"Why? Why wasn't

Lisa. This isn't about you. Lance made this choice for him." Her lips tremble, and she squeezes her eyes shut. "I just wanted him to let me in. I

"I'm so sorry."

I sit with her until her breathing evens out, her exhaustion finally

won't be looking at houses today and she'll need somewhere to go with the kids.

shaking. "Anne, I... I can't leave Lisa right now. She's... not okay. We are supposed to go house hunting today, the kids will be disappointed, but I can't. I

Anne says softly. "What do you

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

hint of hesitation in her voice. "Are

probably actually are. But the penthouse has been home for the kids, and they need that stability right now." "Alright. I'll take them back. You just focus on Lisa. And yourself, Winona Are you feeling ok? This is a lot of

scans tomorrow. I'll be sure to go,"

see you for

come be with the kids, so

"No problem."

sofa. The sofa Lance called home for so many nights, not being able to fully

just

***

the soft sound

I say gently, standing up. "How are you

answer, just leans against the counter,

the door startles both of us. I glance at Lisa, but she doesn't

Brennan?" he asks, reading the label on the top

a package for me

"Yes."

addressed to Lisa

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255