206 Jayden’s Unyielding Resolve

(Winona)

We sat in the ward waiting room. Jayden is beside me, his hand clasped around mine. We haven’t said much since Mom passed away, both of us caught up in our own thoughts.

Cass came back after ten minutes, tears streaming down her face, to say her final goodbyes to Mom. I couldn’t bring myself to intrude on that moment. She needs her space, and I need to respect that.

Jayden squeezes my hand, grounding me in the moment. I look at him, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes. But he’s strong, certain, and that’s what I need right now.

“I should head back to Ashlyn’s room soon,” Jayden says quietly, his voice steady. “Check on the baby before I take you and Cass home.”

I nod, standing up with him. The thought of seeing Cass now, of trying to convince her to come home with me, feels like an insurmountable task, but I know it needs to be done. I’m not leaving her alone. I promised Mom.

But as we start along the ward corridors, past the nurses station to head off this floor, the hairs on