Chapter 3: Choosing the Right Family
Chapter 3: Choosing the Right Family
That evening, Mason drove Lena and Oliver to the hospital.
Oliver was diagnosed with a severe respiratory infection.
The pediatrician looked at Mason with concern.
"Another day without treatment could have become dangerous."
Mason gently kissed his son's forehead.
"We're here now."
Lena finally allowed herself to cry.
Not because she was afraid.
Because someone had finally seen how exhausted she had become.
Weeks later, Richard visited alone.
He carried no speeches.
No excuses.
Only a small casserole dish he had cooked himself.
"I should have paid closer attention," he admitted.
"I believed everything was fine because no one complained."
Mason nodded.
"We were trying to keep the peace."
"And what did it cost?"
Richard looked toward Oliver, now happily coloring at the dining table.
"Too much."
He apologized sincerely to Lena.
Not for everything Patricia had done.
But for failing to notice it sooner.
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It wasn't enough to erase the past.
But it was enough to begin rebuilding trust.
