Careful not to disturb her, he sat at the edge of the bed, pulling the covers up around her. He watched her for a while, a soft smile playing on his lips, before quietly leaving the room, moving like a whisper in the dark.
Stepping onto the balcony, Collin slid the door shut behind him, making sure the hush inside stayed undisturbed for Linsey and the kids. Once outside, he retrieved his phone and, in a voice barely above a whisper, said, Set the surgery date for me Yes, I ll come in for the check-up tomorrow.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains the following morning as Linsey awoke to an empty side of the bed that still radiated Collin s warmth. A slight frown crossed her face, but she shrugged off her worry and headed to freshen up.
On her way out of the bedroom, she spotted Zenia and Zander already busy in their corner of the living room. That bright space had always been their own playground, a world apart from the grown-ups.
Mommy! Zander s eyes lit up the moment he saw her. He tossed his toy aside and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.
Not far behind, Zenia joined in, clinging to Linsey s leg and saying sweetly, Good morning, Mommy!
My sweethearts, good morning. Linsey bent down to shower their cheeks with kisses.
From the kitchen doorway, Glenda appeared with a bright smile, taking in the cheerful scene. Mrs. Riley, what can I make for breakfast today? she asked.
With a grateful smile, Linsey answered, Just some bread and milk will do. Thank you.
Of course. Glenda nodded, heading off to get breakfast ready.
Before Glenda reached the kitchen, Linsey called after her, Glenda, do you know where Collin went?
Last night, exhaustion had claimed her before she even heard Collin finish in the shower or slip into bed beside her.
She couldn t recall when he had woken up and disappeared that morning either. Questions began to fill her mind what could have pulled him away so early, and why hadn t he said anything?
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On top of that, not a single message had come from him, leaving her with a gnawing sense of unease.
Most mornings, Collin would share a gentle embrace and talk with Linsey, offering a proper farewell before leaving for work.
Caught off guard by the question, Glenda paused for a moment before shaking her head. I didn t see Mr. Riley at all this morning.
That only deepened Linsey s confusion, her mind swirling with questions. A sneaking suspicion began to form that Collin was hiding something from her.
Trying to ease Glenda s worry, Linsey offered a reassuring smile. Don t worry about it, Glenda. You can go get breakfast started.
Alright, Glenda replied as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Her mind drifted for a moment, only to be brought back by Zenia s sweet, melodic voice.
Will you play with us today, Mommy? Zenia asked, hope shimmering in her eyes.
Looking into her daughter s eager face, Linsey could feel how much the little one longed for her attention. She pushed her worries aside and didn t hesitate to say, Absolutely!
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