Page 2 of Single Mom's Undoing

And I’m still not ready for this.

His fingers twitch.

His eyes flutter open.

“Momma?” It’s barely a whisper.

“I’m right here.” I get up and take his hand, curling mine around it like it’s the most precious thing in the world. I smooth his curls back. “You hungry?”

He nods. “Can I have pancakes when we go home?”

I make my voice light. “You can have a stack bigger than your head.”

He gives me a weak giggle, and I swear I want to hold on to that sound forever.

Then he looks up at me, those green eyes too wise for his age. “Did the doctor say I’m getting better?”

I glance at Dr. Patel. She gives me the smallest nod, letting me handle it.

“She said you’re strong,” I tell him. “And we’re going to take care of everything.”

“Good.” He closes his eyes. “I wanna play with the other kids soon. You promised.”

“I remember.”

I remember every promise. Every prayer. Every night I begged God for more time.

But now there’s only one way forward.

I have to go back.

Back to Blackthorn Falls.

Back to the cabin Stephan left me.

The night Stephan died, I saw something I can never unsee—something I’ve buried so deep I’m terrified of what will happen if it ever comes to light.

Now I have no option but to return.

Back to the three men I walked away from the night everything fell apart.

The ones who once made me feel like I belonged—until belonging turned into exile.

The ones I betrayed with silence.

I don’t know how I’ll face them.

But for Matty, I will do anything.

I’m his mother. His only shield.

And there’s nothing I wouldn’t burn to keep him breathing.

Not even the past I swore I’d leave behind.

Two days ago,Dr. Patel looked me in the eye and told me my son might not make it. That was all it took for the one place I swore I’d never return to become my only option.

I left Blackthorn Falls five years ago—pregnant, alone, and running for my life. Our lives.