opened the moment I touched her hand.

“Mom?”

“I’m here.”

“The kids?”

“They’re with me.”

Her fingers gripped mine with desperate force. “Don’t let him take them.”

“I won’t.”

Tears slid into her hairline. “I tried to leave.”

“I know, sweetheart.”

“I was almost ready.”

I leaned closer, swallowing the sob clawing at my chest. “Then we finish it tonight.”

Part 3

I continue reading …