The Bound Between Us

Chapter 934

The car rolled quietly through the neighborhood, its headlights painting shifting shadows across sleeping lawns and empty driveways. Anastasia sat in the passenger seat, silent, gazing out at the world slipping by, still caught up in everything she'd overheard at Asher's place.

She'd heard Herman's words. The way he'd changed-it was because of her. There's a saying: if you don't pull weeds out by the roots, they just grow right back. Even if Herman took care of Asher tonight, someone else might come looking for trouble, wanting revenge. And it's always the people you love who end up getting hurt.

Anastasia's close calls had left Herman on edge. With three kids at home, all he really wanted was for their family to be safe, for things to be simple. That's why he let Asher go tonight. He was choosing peace over violence, hoping the cycle would finally end.

By the time they got home, the house was dark and still. The kids were asleep, the world finally quiet.

Anastasia slipped upstairs and peeked into Pattie's room. Her little girl was growing up fast her features getting clearer, her whole face shining with that quiet kind of beauty that makes mothers ache with pride.

But Pattie still couldn't speak. That hurt never really faded for Anastasia.

She'd seen Dr. James. The only chance Pattie would ever talk was a risky surgery, and neither she nor Herman could bring themselves to risk it. They wanted Pattie healthy, but more than that, they wanted her here, by their side.

Suddenly, Pattie stirred and opened her eyes. When she saw Anastasia sitting by the bed, her whole face lit up: Mom.

"Did I wake you up?" Anastasia asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from Pattie's forehead.

Pattie shook her head and signed: Mom, I had a dream.

"What did you dream about?" Anastasia asked, her voice gentle.

Pattie signed: I dreamed I could talk. My teacher said if I keep taking my medicine, I'll be able to

ak one day.

stung; her heart squeezed tight. The medicine couldn't cure her —just help, a little.

sorry, sweetheart." Anastasia pulled Pattie close, her words thick with guilt. "It's

more careful at the wedding, maybe Gianna wouldn't have gotten the chance to take

when he spoke to Asher. Without weaknesses, nothing holds you back. You hurt me, I hurt you right

on every storm yourself if it meant your kids could

wrapped her arms around her mother's waist, sensing her sadness. She didn't blame her mom, but every time they had this talk, she could see it hurt.

got you something special-what

you and Dad to be happy. I want our family to laugh together, like

Pattie was smart, and

her parents were sleeping in separate rooms. She missed

Kids always know when something's wrong, even

squeezed her hand, her eyes clear and bright: Mom, can Dad sleep in here

tightened.

wiping away tears, and bumped into Salma in the

noticed her red eyes. "Ana, what's

to pull herself together. "Just... talked with Pattie.

they feel everything more deeply. But Ana, time

Anastasia hesitated, then said

quietly, "Mom, there's something

tell you. I

from Willowbrook.