“The doctor says both she and the baby are alright,” Laney answered honestly. “But Miss Holland… she hasn’t spoken to anyone. She keeps to herself, and I can’t get her to talk.”

Worry crept into Laney’s voice. “If she keeps this up, I’m afraid it might get worse.”

“I see.” Ernest’s brow furrowed in concern. “Thank you, Laney. You can all step out now.”

“Yes, sir.” Both caregivers quietly left the room.

“Dad,” Locke tugged on Ernest’s sleeve, whispering, “Is Mom sick again?”

“She’s not feeling well right now.” Kneeling, Ernest met Locke’s worried gaze. He gave Locke an encouraging pat. “Go hug her, alright? She loves you more than anything. You can help her feel better.”

Locke hesitated, unsure if he could really help.

“It’s okay, Locke. Go on.” Ernest nodded reassuringly.

“Okay!” With a deep breath, Locke set off across the room, his steps turning into a run. “Mom!”

It felt strange at first, but calling out to her became easier each time. He shouted again, louder and more confident, “Mom! Mom!”

Each cry felt more natural, as if he’d been waiting his whole life to say it. Lying still, Elissa suddenly stiffened. Her eyes shot open, searching for the source of the voice. What was that voice? Was that really Locke?

She sat up fast, just in time to see Locke running clumsily toward her.

With all the love in his little heart, Locke called out again, “Mom! Mom!”

Tears sprang to Elissa’s eyes the instant she saw him. “Locke!”

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Elissa flung aside the covers, jumped from the bed, and dropped to her knees with her arms wide open.

“Mom!” Locke darted across the room and barreled into her arms.

Barely catching him, Elissa wrapped her arms around her son and held him close, her vision swimming with tears. “Locke, my sweet baby!”

“Mom.” Locke tilted his head up, his mouth trembling. “Mom, are you really my mom?”

The question caught Elissa off guard. For a moment, she just stared, stunned that Locke had called her mom. How could this be?

“Elissa.” Then she heard Ernest’s footsteps and voice behind them. He stopped a few steps away and stood quietly, watching. There was no mistaking it—he must have told Locke everything.

“Mom?” Locke’s voice cracked with worry. When Elissa didn’t answer right away, tears spilled down his cheeks. “Are you my mom? You don’t want me? Was I too naughty?”

“No!” Elissa shook her head, panic rising. “That’s not it! You’re not naughty at all. You’re the sweetest boy in this whole world! And I am your mom—I never gave up on you. You’re my precious boy. I could never leave you!”

“Mom!” Locke’s tears turned into full sobs. He clung to her tightly, desperate for comfort.

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