Chapter 3: Picking Up the Pieces
Chapter 3: Picking Up the Pieces
The following weeks were the hardest of my life.
Doctors confirmed Leo was physically recovering, but emotionally, the damage ran much deeper.
He startled whenever doors locked.
He asked permission before eating.
Every night he apologized for things that weren't his fault.
One evening, I found him standing beside the old kennel after workers had removed it.
"I thought if I was better," he whispered, "she'd love me."
I knelt beside him.
"Leo..."
"You never have to earn love."
"You never have to be perfect."
"And nobody who hurts you gets to call it love."
He wrapped his arms around me.
"I missed you, Daddy."
Tears filled my eyes.
"I missed you too."
I made him one promise that day.
"No more business trips unless they're absolutely necessary."
May you like
And for the first time in years...
I meant it.
