“Locke—” Ernest began again.

“Enough.” Elissa cut him off, her expression hardening. “I’ll carry him. I can manage.”

It was exhausting, yes—but how could she turn down Locke when he needed her most?

“Very well.” Ernest relented, stepping beside her protectively. He remained at her side, prepared to take Locke into his arms if Elissa grew too weary.

The doctor approached them with some final instructions. “The injury’s minor. No need to hospitalize him—it’s been treated. Just ensure he rests at home.”

Elissa let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Thank you, Doctor.”

“You’re welcome,” the doctor replied with a gentle nod. “His injured arm will need plenty of rest—try to keep it as still as possible. Over the next few days, there may be some swelling and pain. We generally don’t recommend medication for children his age, so… Mr. Flynn, Mrs. Flynn, spend time with him. Comfort him. Keep him distracted. With love and care, he’ll pull through just fine.”

“Understood,” Elissa and Ernest said in unison, their voices steady but heavy with concern.

The doctor gave a final nod. “Mr. Flynn, that’s all for now. If anything comes up, don’t hesitate to contact us.”

“Got it.”

As they stepped out of the emergency room, a quiet tension settled over them. Now came the question—where next?

Locke was clearly going with Ernest. In the past two days, everything had already been moved from Lion Bay to the Flynn Mansion.

But what about Elissa?

She hesitated. Her fingers curled slightly at her side as she wrestled with the ache in her chest. Finally, she turned to Ernest, forcing the words past the lump in her throat. “Take good care of him.”

The words landed like a stone in Ernest’s heart. She wasn’t going with them.

Your hub for updates: g?lnσνs?c?m

He should have expected it—and yet, it still caught him off guard.

She didn’t want him anymore… and now, not even Locke?

“Sure,” Ernest said, his voice tight. He reached out, arms open. “Locke, come to Daddy. We’re going home.”

Locke’s wide eyes flew to Elissa’s face, confused. “Mommy, are you tired? Please, Mommy—carry me. Just a little more. Please?”

“Locke…” Her tears returned, flowing freely once more. How could she explain this to him?

“I want Mommy!” he cried, his lip trembling, his voice thick with heartbreak. “I’m not heavy, Mommy! I promise—please carry me!”

Elissa’s arms trembled. Her whole face twisted with anguish. She couldn’t let him go.

“Locke!” Ernest stepped in, his voice firmer now, his brows furrowed. “Why aren’t you listening? Come here, Daddy will carry you!”

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