70 Family Ties Hurt

(Winona)

“Winona? Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?” Jayden asks as the kids clamber out of the car. His voice is filled with concern, and it’s clear he’s struggling to process everything.

I nod, trying to steady my racing heart. “I can’t leave them with him. You have no idea how bad it is, Jayden. Look at them.”

Jayden looks at the kids, his expression softening with empathy. “Okay.” He lets out a long breath. “I guess we’ll figure it out.”

“There must be a mother,” I say, more to myself than to him.

“She left them,” Jayden replies, his voice tinged with sadness.

“He would never have let her leave with them. The kids are his meal ticket. I can keep them safe until I find her.” I usher the kids through the front door and into the kitchen, my mind racing with a hundred different thoughts.

Jayden follows us inside, shaking his head. “He left them here, though.”

“He’ll be back when the cash runs out,” I say, knowing my father all too well.

Jayden sighs, his frustration evident.