CHAPTER 46 : An unwanted ride

MELISSA’S POV

"Mom?" His voice was sleepy, barely a whisper.

"Hey, buddy," I said softly, smiling despite the heaviness in my chest. "What are you doing up so early?"

He shrugged, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. "I had a weird dream."

I knelt down to his level, brushing the hair out of his face. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

Tyler shook his head, then hesitated. "It was just...I was looking for you, and I couldn’t find you anywhere."

My heart clenched. It was just a dream, but the timing felt cruel, like the universe was mocking me. I hugged him tightly, hoping he couldn’t feel the turmoil inside me.

"I’m not going anywhere," I whispered into his hair. "I’m right here, okay?"

He nodded, his small arms wrapping around me in return. After a few moments, he pulled back, looking up at me with those big, innocent eyes. "Are you okay, Mom?"

I blinked, taken aback by the question. "Of course, sweetie. Why do you ask?"

"You just...seem sad sometimes," he said, his voice quiet