Chapter 155 - Visits

Noah

I stared at Raymond, my heart pounding as his words sank in. “Oh…” I struggled to find the right words. “When… when are you leaving?”

His face fell, a look of disappointment crossing his hazel eyes. I could see that my choice of words, “when are you leaving” instead of “when are we leaving,” had hurt him deeply.

The realization that I was speaking in terms of separation rather than unity stung. I felt a pang of regret, wishing I could take back my words.

“I’m not leaving without you, Noah,” Raymond said, his voice laden with sincerity. After a long pause, he continued, “Take as long as you need to consider it.”

“Okay… I’ll think about it…” I said, my voice breaking. Tears welled up in my eyes, making it hard to see clearly. “Goodbye, Raymond.”

I could barely get the words out before the tears began to spill over. Neil had decided to stay behind until I was settled in. He ran up to me, his small face crumpling with sadness.

“Goodbye, Mommy,” Neil cried, his voice trembling.

“I’ll