“He’s safe,” Mia said softly. “He’s right here.”
Gladys’s breathing slowly steadied.
I finally understood why my daughter had chosen the kitchen floor.
Kyle hurried down the hallway.
I followed just far enough to see him kneel beside her.
“I’m right here, Mom.”
She cupped his face with trembling hands.
Then she whispered nine words that made every hair on my arms stand up.
“They told me you were better off without me.”
I stood frozen in the hallway.
Gladys gently stroked Kyle’s cheek.
“They said you were happier without me,” she whispered.
Kyle closed his eyes.
