Page 106 of Shadows Within

“I’m serious. You save us— kids like him… kids like me. You give us a safe haven when we need it most.”

Tears gather in his eyes as he sniffles and shakes his head.

“Don’t go soft on me now.” He punches his fist together. “Come on, let’s go.”

I laugh and throw him another punch. It’s exactly what I needed.

When we finish our round, I grab my bag, change, and wave to Ricco before I leave.

“Don’t wait so long between sessions next time.” He yells.

“I missed you too, old man.” I push the door open and walk toward my car. I pull my phone out and see a text from Callum.

Callum:437 University Ave, Boston.

I type the address into my maps. “Boston Medical Rehabilitation Facility.”Rehab? Why did he send me this?

I get in the car and look at my phone again… This isn’t what I think it is?No.

He got her out.

I follow the map as I start my drive into the city.

I’ve never enjoyed Boston much. I don’t go to the city often, and when I do, I’m always reminded of why I don’t—the noise, the chaos. Adrenaline pumps through my veins.What will I say to her once I’m there? How do I tell her that I’m sorry for everything I’ve done?I want her to know that we can get through all of this, together.

I want to call Callum and thank him, but I have to get there first.

As I approach the large building, I pull into the parking lot and prepare myself. I sigh before I get out of the car—it’s now or never.

I walk through the front glass door. The foyer is lined by a wall of windows, and the entire building is surrounded by tons of gardens and stone paths. I feel like I’m on a movie set. I step up to the lady that sits at the reception desk.

“Hello Miss, how can I help you?” The roots of her hair are grey, and wrinkles trace her forehead. Her glasses sit at the edge of her nose—I have an urge to reach over the counter and push them up.

“Vanessa Voss. I’m her, I’m her, um, daughter.”

“Just one moment.” She looks at her computer screen and clicks her mouse.

“She’s in room 203. Up the elevator and then second door on your left.”

“Okay, thank you.” I smile.

“Let us know if you need anything else.”

Jeez, the people here sure are nice. How can mom afford this place.

I go up the elevator and stand outside the second door on the left. I stare at it, unable to bring my hand up to knock. I feel like a disappointment.

Just then, the door opens, and woman in a crop top and baggy black jeans walks out.

“Oh sorry, I was just leaving.” She looks me up and down with a smile. “And you are?”

“Her daughter.” I purse my lips. “Andyouare?”

“Her sponsor, Lexi.”

Lexi’s pixie cut hair is bright red—clearly it’s not natural. She has a piercing through her eyebrow and isn’t the typical person I’d envision as Mom’s new best friend. I enter the room and shut the door behind me.

“That was awkward.” I mumble under my breath.