96

Heavy footsteps approached, and I knew without turning around who was coming. Sebastian. I could feel his presence even before he was actually near me. He always had a way of making me think trapped-both physically and emotionally.

"What are you thinking, Momma?" His deep, calm voice broke the silence. I didn't answer right away, letting myself feel the moment and searching for the right words to say.

Then I felt his embrace from behind, his hands ending up on my stomach, rubbing it gently. A peck was present on my exposed shoulder.

"I don't know what I was thinking," I finally said, still staring off into the forest. "Everything feels messed up, Sebastian," I whispered.

"I know it's been hard for you," he said, his ordinarily authoritative voice now sounding softer. "But I've thought things through. I won't let anything or anyone hurt you."

"What if it's you who ends up hurting us?"

Sebastian was silent for a moment, absorbing my piercing question. His heartbeat quickened against my