Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

520 A Cry in the Dark

(Winona)

The soft cry of a baby envelopes me.

At first, it's faint, like it's coming from another room. Then it grows louder, more insistent. I'm fumbling, trying to pinpoint the direction, but I can't find it. My hands press against empty air, the cries getting louder. I'm coming, baby. I'm coming.

I wake with a gasp, my chest so tight I can't draw a breath back in. My hands grip the sheets. It's like I've been running. But I'm in bed. My bed.

I look over and see Jayden isn't beside me. But bright sun is coming through the window. I must have slept late.

The room is still. I finally suck a breath into my lungs.

No baby crying. No baby to find. No baby.

The realization twists. I sit up, forcing myself to breathe slowly, deliberately. "It's just a dream," I whisper, running a hand through my hair. "Just a stupid dream."

***

After dressing in a loose shirt and jeans, I decide to head downstairs. The scent of coffee and toast wafts up, warm and inviting. I can hear the kids' chatter and the scrape of chairs against the kitchen floor.

I put the fear from the dream to the side. I can do this. It's a dream. I'm okay.

I reach the top of the stairs, gripping the handrail, but suddenly my chest tightens all over again. My breathing becomes shallow, my vision narrowing as the world tilts slightly.

I step back from the top step and hold onto the wall. It's been a while since I had a panic attack.

"No," I mutter, leaning on the wall with both hands. "Not now."

My legs are jello. Every logical part of my brain tells me to just take a step, but I can't. My body refuses to move.

"Winona?"

I look around.

up the stairs, a

quickly, though my voice trembles. "I'm just...

the floor and comes to my side, her hand steady on my arm. "Okay, no big deal. Let's

want to

you will," she says firmly. "One step at a time, with me. Come on. We got this. Don't

the time we reach the bottom, I'm both relieved and furious with myself. "Stupid," I mutter under my

says, leading me to a chair. "Normal. Your body's catching up to

to work

I'll grab that tray I

I don't know what

don't

***

the kids chatter on about their plans for the day, blissfully unaware of my earlier struggle. I chatter with them and eat some warm toast and butter.

here with my family

my happy place. Instead, I'm dreaming about crying babies and can't even get down

go now?" Bobby

your teeth and make sure your rooms are done," Jayden

"Yes, Dad. We know."

"Okay then."

come check under your beds,"

kids give a collective

"Aha! Sprung. Actually, let's take a real expert in low spaces. She gets Henry from

"Henry, let's go

his hands as they leave the

his hand lightly on

up?" he asks

"Nothing. I'm okay."

things you think I don't need to

He's damn right. No