57. Terrified Cry

[LIZZY]

“You must have met Uncle Diego,” Hazel says after I share a somewhat vague account of what I stumbled upon last night. Guilt gnaws at me for invading their privacy like that. If only I had known…

“That makes sense,” I sigh, trying to distract myself by running my fingers through Joey’s soft, dark hair, which has grown long enough to be tied in a small ponytail.

I can’t help but think about Laura, who used to take him for hair trims regularly, always ensuring he looked neat and tidy. She loved him dearly. But now she’s gone, and I’m left to care for this little boy all on my own.

I love Joey, there’s no doubt about that. I adore him with all my heart and soul. He’s probably the only person for whom I’d do anything, the one who never makes me feel useless or burdensome. But the weight of responsibility weighs heavily on me. Can I truly take care of him for the rest of my life? Am I capable enough? Can I provide him with the life he deserves? What if I fail to be the parent he ne